Bangladesh's search for modern fighter ends with Chinese J-10; should India be worried?
Bangladesh is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets for an estimated $2.2 billion, making it the second export customer after Pakistan. This significant defense procurement, part of Bangladesh's Forces Goal 2030, is being closely monitored by India, especially given Pakistan's disputed claims regarding the jet's combat performance.
Why it matters
This deal deepens Bangladesh's military ties with China, potentially altering the regional power balance in South Asia and raising security concerns for India regarding its eastern border and geopolitical influence.
Bangladesh is moving closer to becoming the second confirmed export customer for China's J-10CE fighter jet, in a development that is being watched closely in New Delhi. A government panel in Dhaka is preparing a draft agreement to open formal negotiations with Beijing for the aircraft. If it goes through, the deal would rank among Bangladesh's biggest defence procurements in years and further deepen its military relationship with China, already Dhaka's largest arms supplier.Local media has been reporting that Bangladesh is looking to acquire up to 24 J-10CE jets, with earlier estimates from October last year pegging the cost of the airframes alone at around USD1.2 billion. The complete aircraft package, including weapons, spares and training, will be closer to USD2.2 billion.
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