Bangladesh to buy 20 J-10C fighter jets from China for Tk 27,000 crore

The government has taken the initiative to buy 20 J-10CE multirole fighter jets made in China to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force and strengthen national air defense. The total cost of purchasing this 4.5 generation modern multirole combat aircraft, including training and other expenses, is estimated at $2.2 billion, which is about Tk 27,060 crore in Bangladeshi currency. The contract can be concluded with the Chinese government through direct purchase or G2G (Government-to-Government) method and its implementation is expected to start in the current 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. According to the documents received, the price of this fighter jet will have to be paid in stages over a period of 10 years, i.e. until the 2035-2036 fiscal year.

The J-10CE fighter jet is basically the export version of the J-10C model used by the Chinese Air Force. According to the cost estimate prepared by the Office of the Chief Adviser, the cost of each aircraft has been set at $60 million, which brings the total cost of the 20 aircraft to $1.2 billion or about Tk 14,760 crore. Adding additional costs including local and foreign training, equipment, transportation, insurance, VAT, commission and construction work, the total cost will be $2.2 billion. The payment period for this huge project will be 10 years, with a plan to pay installments in stages every fiscal year.

In March this year, during the visit of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to China, discussions were held on the purchase of these fighter jets. According to government sources, China has shown a positive attitude towards it. After that, an 11-member inter-ministerial committee was formed in April with the Air Force Chief as its chairman. This committee will examine the draft contract, determine the suitability of the purchase through the G2G method, negotiate with Chinese representatives and determine the final price, payment terms, training, maintenance and spare parts supply conditions.

The J-10CE fighter jet is one of China's most advanced 4.5 generation fighter jets, capable of multi-mission operations. It can simultaneously conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. Pakistan has recently added this model of fighter jet to its force, which has led to the model being widely discussed internationally. Even during the India-Pakistan conflict, Pakistan claimed to have destroyed a Rafale using the J-10CE, although this could not be independently verified. This incident has brought the J-10CE to the center of interest of military analysts around the world.

Major General A N M Moniruzzaman (Retd.), President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, said, "The Bangladesh Air Force has long needed a modern fighter jet. This decision will meet that need." However, he cautioned, "The geopolitical competition in the world is currently intense. Especially the relationship between the United States and China is now tense. Therefore, it is important to consider its diplomatic impact before buying a fighter jet from any country."

Currently, the Bangladesh Air Force has a total of 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets. Of these, 36 are Chinese-made F-7s and the rest are Russian-made MiG-29B and Yak-130 light attack aircraft. Experts believe that replacing the old model F-7 with the J-10CE will greatly enhance the BAF's air defense capabilities and strategic power.

China's Baiyi Aerobatic Team has already added the latest J-10C model to its exhibition fleet. With its improved performance, powerful engines, modern radar system and ability to carry long-range weapons, it is currently considered one of China's most advanced combat aircraft.

All in all, purchasing the J-10CE fighter jet from China could be a groundbreaking step for the Bangladesh Air Force. It will not only strengthen the air defense system of the air force, but also add a new dimension to the regional security balance. However, analysts believe that the government will have to take every step carefully and strategically due to this huge investment and diplomatic sensitivity.