Dbarta24 Desk — Bangladesh has finalized a draft contract to acquire 20 4.5th-generation J-10CE multirole fighter jets from China in a government-to-government (G2G) deal valued at approximately $2.14 billion (BDT 26,314 crore).
The strategic defense procurement initiative, initially greenlit by the interim administration, is being proactively carried forward by the newly formed BNP-led government to modernize the country’s aging air defense infrastructure.
According to official documents from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the procurement contract outlines a phased payment plan spanning eight fiscal years, starting in FY 2026–27 and concluding in FY 2034–35.
Under the agreement, ten of the aircraft will directly address operational shortfalls (TO&E), while the remaining ten will form a new Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) squadron.
The nation anticipates receiving the first batch of six J-10CE jets by 2027, with the remaining 14 arriving in subsequent stages.
Procurement Breakdown & Infrastructure Expansion
The total financial outlay covers the direct acquisition cost of the aircraft as well as comprehensive operational, training, and logistics support:
| Category | Cost (USD) | Cost (BDT) |
| Unit Cost (per aircraft) | $62.7 million | ৳771 crore |
| 20 Fighter Jets (Total) | $1.256 billion | ৳15,500 crore |
| Training & Support Gear | $8.88 million | — |
| Total Deal Value | $2.14 billion | ৳26,314 crore |
Alongside the fighter jets, technical evaluations are underway for long-range radars, anti-drone tech, electronic warfare packages, and attack helicopters.
To support this fleet expansion, land acquisition is active in Bogura to establish a full-fledged airbase to enhance operational outreach across northern and northwestern sectors.
Strategic Shift in Defense Capabilities
The J-10CE multirole jet features advanced AESA radar integration, short-runway capability, high agility, and missile-evasion tech. Crucially, it grants offensive strike options to a fleet currently limited to defensive capabilities.
Bangladesh’s decision follows a re-evaluation of Western alternatives—including the French Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and American F-16—in favor of cost efficiency and proven combat performance.
“The draft contract was prepared following negotiation meetings by the designated committee. During the recent regional conflict, China’s J-10 effectively countered modern Rafale jets—a performance factor Bangladesh evaluated thoroughly.”— Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Advisor to the Prime Minister
With negotiations shifting to final defense approvals, the acquisition marks a decisive leap in Bangladesh’s tactical airspace deterrence.