Overview

• Government documents reviewed by The Business Standard outline a plan for 20 J-10CE jets at about $2.2 billion, including a base price of $60 million per aircraft and roughly $820 million for training, equipment and freight.
• Deliveries are reported for 2026–2027, with payments spread over 10 fiscal years through 2036.
• Dhaka has made no formal announcement; the finance adviser declined comment, and the air chief has only confirmed in-principle approval for new multirole aircraft, surface-to-air missiles and long-range radars without naming a jet.
• The prospective purchase is tied to Forces Goal 2030 to replace aging F-7s and MiG-29s and to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force.
• Analysts say the move would deepen defense ties with China and could affect regional dynamics, while observers note the J-10CE’s limited verified combat record.