Caption:The acquisition of J-10CE jets could strengthen ties with Beijing,favor Pakistan’s regional position, and pose new worries for India.
Article:Bangladesh is in advanced talks with China to acquire 12 J-10CE multirolefighter aircraft along with 60 PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles,according to defense sources. A final decision is expected to be taken bythe newly elected government after the February 2026 national electionsin Dhaka.
If finalized, the deal would mark one of Bangladesh’s largest defenseprocurements in recent years and signal a deepening of military-technicalcooperation with China. The J-10CE, also operated by Pakistan Air Force, isa fourth-generation-plus fighter equipped with AESA radar, advancedavionics, and the capability to deploy the PL-15E missile, which has anestimated range of over 200 kilometers.Strategic Significance
For Pakistan, Bangladesh’s procurement of J-10CE jets would representa positiveshift in regional balance, strengthening a fellow South AsianMuslim-majority country’s defense posture with equipment already proven bythe PAF. Military analysts believe this could pave the way for jointtraining exercises, logistics cooperation, and greater defense synergybetween Dhaka and Islamabad under China’s umbrella.
On the other hand, the development is likely to be viewed negatively inNew Delhi. India, which maintains a historically complex relationship withBangladesh, has long sought to be Dhaka’s primary defense partner. However,China’s expanding role in Bangladesh’s military modernizationunderscores India’sgrowing strategic dilemma in its neighborhood. The PL-15E’s long-rangeengagement capability, in particular, would outclass most Indian Air Forcebeyond-visual-range missile systems, raising concerns for Indian defenseplanners.Waiting for Post-Election Approval
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Officials in Dhaka suggest that the current government wants to leave thedecision for the next administration to finalize, given the scale of theinvestment and its potential geopolitical consequences. However, China hasreportedly offered favorable financing terms and technology support,making the deal attractive.
If approved, Bangladesh would join Pakistan as the second South Asianoperator of the J-10CE, marking a significant milestone in China’s defenseexports and reshaping the military landscape of the region.