Bangladesh to buy Chinese jets used by Pak in Op Sindoor. What it means for India

Bangladesh's reported plan to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, the aircraft used by Pakistan against India during Operation Sindoor, marks a major step in its military modernisation drive. While the deal might dramatically enhance Dhaka's air combat capabilities, it could also deepen China's influence even in India's eastern neighbourhood.

Bangladesh is reportedly set to move forward with one of its most ambitious military acquisition plans to date. The Dhaka-based news outlet, Daily Waadaa, reported that the Tarique Rahman-led administration is expected to advance plans to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets during the PM's visit to China this week. Officials cited by the publication stated that Dhaka hopes to officially sign the procurement agreement by August.

The J-10CE is the export variant of the Chengdu J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet. The same jet is also used by India's Western neighbour, Pakistan, and was deployed in the aerial skirmishes that took place during Operation Sindoor, tangling with Indian Air Force jets like the SU-30MKI, Sepecat Jaguar, and the Dassault Rafale.

Dhaka's pursuit of the platform aligns with its "Forces Goal 2030" defence modernisation programme, which was originally launched in 2009. Should the deal materialise, it will represent one of the most significant leaps in capability for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), which has long operated a motley and increasingly obsolete mix of legacy jets from China and Russia. At the same time, though, it will also deepen Bangladesh's dependence on China, and increase Beijing's diplomatic and military influence in India's eastern neighbourhood.

WHAT IS THE J-10CE, AND WHY IS BANGLADESH BUYING IT?

The J-10CE is the export variant of the Chengdu J-10C, and is widely considered one of China's most capable 4.5-generation combat aircraft available on the international market outside fifth-generation stealth platforms. Powered by the WS-10B afterburning turbofan engine, the aircraft can approach speeds of Mach 1.8 while maintaining a robust combat radius and endurance tailored for air defence and maritime strike missions.

Featuring a delta-wing and canard aerodynamic configuration supported by digital fly-by-wire controls, the platform delivers exceptional agility during dogfights and missile-evasion scenarios.

This manoeuvrability is paired with a substantial payload capacity, as the fighter can reportedly carry up to 5,600 kilograms of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles, bombs and precision guided munitions across 11 hardpoints. This enables the J-10CE to carry out a wide range of missions, from hunting enemy fighters, to bombing ground targets.

This multi-role capability might be especially valuable for Bangladesh, which maintains a relatively modest air force due to economic and budgetary constraints, and therefore needs to prioritise versatile aircraft that can perform a wide range of missions efficiently.

A key strength of the J-10CE is its modern electronics package. Its advanced AESA radar can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously while resisting enemy jamming efforts. The aircraft is also equipped to carry the Chinese long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, which can engage enemy aircraft at considerable distances before they are able to strike back.

Consequently, the acquisition of J-10CE fighters would dramatically enhance the capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force. The BAF currently operates a modest fighter fleet of roughly 40 to 44 aircraft, consisting primarily of around 36 obsolete and ageing Chengdu F-7/J-7s (a Chinese derivative of the Soviet MiG-21) and eight Russian-origin MiG-29s.

BANGLADESH AIR FORCE MIGHT GET A BOOST IF THE J-10CE DEAL MATERIALISES

With the J-10CE and its wide array of advanced munitions, Bangladesh might gain the ability to undertake a much broader range of missions.

The planned purchase forms a key component of Dhaka's ongoing military modernisation programme titled Forces Goal 2030, that was launched in 2009. Under this programme, Bangladesh has acquired a broad spectrum of equipment — from small arms and tanks, to submarines and frigates — with China emerging as the dominant supplier for much of this hardware.

According to officials cited by Daily Wadaa, each J-10CE fighter is expected to cost around $40 million, making it a more affordable option for countries such as Bangladesh compared with Western counterparts like the Rafale and the F-16, whose unit costs can reach as high as $120 million depending on configuration.

If an agreement is signed in August as targeted, deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. As part of the broader deal, reportedly valued at around $2.2 billion for 24 aircraft, Beijing will also provide comprehensive training, logistics infrastructure, spares, maintenance support, and long-term sustainment.

Alongside plans to purchase advanced fighter jets from China, Bangladesh is reportedly upgrading a World War II-era airbase in the Lalmonirhat district. Located just 20 kilometres from the Indian border, the base is being modernised to handle combat operations, which includes the construction of aircraft hangars, maintenance and repair facilities, and the installation of advanced air defence radar systems.

Bangladesh, however, has refuted reports that the airbase will be used to host "missile and drone systems" targeting India, or that the construction is being undertaken by China. Dhaka has instead stated that the airbase is being modernised to host its own fleet of fixed-wing and helicopter transports, emphasising that the installation remains under the exclusive sovereign control of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

WHAT WILL BANGLADESH'S ACQUISITION OF THE J-10CE MEAN FOR INDIA?

From a defence perspective, the acquisition of 24 J-10CE fighters is unlikely to significantly alter Bangladesh's military balance vis-a-vis India. The Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command, headquartered in Shillong, reportedly maintains around four fighter squadrons deployed across Assam and West Bengal, equipped with Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and Dassault Rafales — together amounting to roughly 60–70 modern combat aircraft. On that basis, the balance of air power in the eastern sector would appear to remain broadly in India's favour, even after Bangladesh inducts the new platform.

Notwithstanding the J-10CE's impressive capabilities, including its advanced AESA radar and long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles that enable beyond-visual-range engagements, the IAF retains a decisive edge. This stems from its significantly larger number of combat-ready jets in the sector, superior air defence systems, and more robust command-and-control and information-sharing networks.

However, having the advanced J-10CE deployed on both sides of its international border (as Pakistan has 20 operational jets and 16 more on order) might push New Delhi to accelerate its own fighter acquisition plans.

That being said, several other strategic factors merit consideration beyond the immediate military balance.

The acquisition of J-10CE fighters will inevitably increase Bangladesh's dependence on China for long-term sustainment. Note, operating and maintaining these advanced aircraft requires continuous access to Chinese spare parts, technical expertise, software updates, weapons, and periodic upgrades, all of which are tightly controlled by Beijing. This deepens Dhaka's reliance on China, which is already both militarily and financially.

This growing dependence is likely to increase Beijing's strategic influence in India's eastern neighbourhood. Closer military-to-military ties could also facilitate greater intelligence sharing and operational interoperability with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which also operates the J-10CE and deployed it to counter Indian jets during Operation Sindoor.

Bangladesh's reported acquisition of the J-10CE might also be viewed as part of its broader diversification of defence partnerships, which could add a new layer to its engagement with China.

At the same time, Bangladesh's continued interest in Chinese participation in infrastructure projects such as the Teesta River Barrage and developments around the Mongla region may also be seen as part of its multi-vector approach to economic and strategic cooperation. Taken together, these developments could contribute to a more complex and evolving regional diplomatic landscape.

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