Bangladesh moves toward talks with China to buy J-10CE fighter jets

Bangladesh is preparing to begin formal discussions with China over a possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters according to a government adviser.

Bangladesh is preparing to begin formal discussions with China over a possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters according to a government adviser.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Tuesday that a government committee is working on a draft agreement that could pave the way for negotiations with Beijing.

The potential deal would represent one of Bangladesh’s largest defence purchases in recent years and could further strengthen the country’s military relationship with China. Beijing is already Bangladesh’s biggest supplier of defence equipment.

The J-10CE fighter jet has received increased international attention since fighting between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Pakistan said its J-10CE aircraft were involved in shooting down Indian fighter jets during the clashes. India has disputed those claims.

Ur Rahman said Bangladesh had observed reports about the aircraft’s performance during the conflict as it considers options to modernise its air force.

Bangladesh is reportedly considering purchasing as many as 24 J-10CE fighter jets although officials have not confirmed the final number. Pakistan is currently the only confirmed foreign operator of the export version of the Chinese aircraft.

The adviser did not reveal how many jets Bangladesh could ultimately purchase the expected cost of the agreement or when deliveries might begin. Those details, he said, would be decided during negotiations.

The possible fighter-jet purchase comes as Bangladesh seeks to upgrade its military capabilities. The country has maintained close defence ties with China for years with Beijing supplying a wide range of military equipment.

Over the past two decades, China has provided Bangladesh with warships, fighter aircraft, tanks and missile systems, making it Dhaka’s largest source of military hardware.

If Bangladesh proceeds with the J-10CE acquisition, the move could further deepen defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing while giving Bangladesh a modern multirole fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.