According to a report from "Defence Security Asia" on August 29, Bangladesh is preparing to purchase the Chinese J-10C fighter jets, which will serve as the core air force platform for its "Strong Military Goal by 2030."

The report pointed out that during his visit to Beijing in March this year, the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh clearly expressed to China the desire to purchase 12 J-10C fighters, and received a positive response.

In fact, prior to this visit, both sides had already initiated preliminary communication regarding this military procurement, indicating that Bangladesh's procurement intention was not a sudden decision, but part of a long-term strategic consideration.

The report detailed the technical configuration and combat capabilities of the J-10C: equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, WS-10 series domestically produced turbofan engines, and a highly networked combat system, enabling advanced performance in beyond-visual-range air combat, precision strikes, and electronic warfare environments.

Its operational adaptability, cost control capability, and high compatibility with the Chinese defense system make it an ideal choice for the next stage of development of the Bangladesh Air Force.

Analysts point out that if this deal is finalized, it will not only bring about a technological leap for the Bangladesh Air Force, but also have a new impact on the balance of air power in South Asia. Especially against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Bangladesh's move carries an obvious strategic signal.

Pakistani aircraft

This military procurement has attracted particular attention at present, also related to the demonstration effect of Pakistan's sales.

In May 2025, the India-Pakistan air conflict broke out, and Pakistan deployed the J-10CE for the first time in combat, successfully shooting down multiple Indian Air Force mainstay fighter jets, including the "Rafale" fighter jet. This victory caused a global shock.

Although the Indian official did not admit the loss, indirect confirmation from American defense channels made this achievement gain substantial international recognition.

This conflict not only became a highlight moment for the J-10CE, but also completely changed the existing prejudice in the international market that Chinese aircraft lacked combat experience.

Subsequently, the stock price of Chengdu Aircraft Industry soared, and many countries showed interest in the J-10C.

This path of self-validation of arms by non-Western countries has strong demonstrative significance for small and medium-sized countries like Bangladesh.

Especially against the background of increasing regional security pressure and limited budgets, the high cost-performance solution represented by the J-10C has become an ideal alternative to F-16 and Mirage-2000 in the eyes of many countries.

It can be said that Pakistan not only won a battle in the air, but also won a military trade victory through practical actions.

Pakistani aircraft

Bangladesh had already initiated internal evaluation procedures for the procurement of J-10C before the India-Pakistan conflict.

Its "Strong Military Goal by 2030" includes not only the modernization of the air force, but also the restructuring of the command system, expansion of tactical bases, and enhancement of cross-service joint training capabilities.

Currently, the mainstay of the Bangladesh Air Force is about 35 F-7BG/BGI and a few MiG-29, which are far behind regional standards and frequently encounter safety incidents.

Compared with these, the J-10C not only surpasses the current equipment in performance indicators, but also has a high compatibility with Chinese radar and air defense missile systems, which can significantly enhance overall combat effectiveness.

From the domestically produced active electronically scanned array radar to the PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile, the J-10C brings Bangladesh not just a batch of new aircraft, but a qualitative change from a defensive presence to an active control force in the air force.

The successful experience of the Pakistani Air Force has further strengthened the decision-making direction of the Bangladeshi leadership — if it was previously considered, after the India-Pakistan conflict, it has become a must-buy.

This is also strategically significant for China, as it can build a aerial security belt centered around Chinese aircraft along the line of Bangladesh-Burma-Pakistan, further expanding China's defense influence in South Asia.

Chinese aircraft

Certainly, the military procurement of the J-10C by Bangladesh is not solely for upgrading equipment, but also has clear geopolitical strategic goals.

Although there is cooperation between Bangladesh and India, the foundation of mutual trust is weak, and the two countries have frequent friction over water resource allocation, border law enforcement, illegal immigration, and trans-border violence issues.

Since the fall of the Hasina government, the new interim government has taken a noticeable cold attitude toward India, seeking to deepen cooperation with China, Pakistan, Turkey, and other countries.

India has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction by revoking transit convenience, delaying water resource negotiations, and other ways, and the relationship between the two sides is falling into structural tension.

The procurement of the J-10C by Bangladesh is equivalent to sending a strong signal in the military field — we no longer default you as the regional leader.

Especially after the Indian military has been continuously strengthening its deployment in Assam and Meghalaya provinces and trying to dominate the air-sea channel of the Bay of Bengal, the Dhaka side has felt obvious pressure.

And the performance of Pakistan's air force against the Indian Air Force in actual combat has allowed Bangladesh to see a possibility: even facing a powerful neighbor, it is not impossible to fight back.

To put it plainly, if Pakistan can beat India, why wouldn't Bangladesh want to try this taste? After all, when there is a soft target, it is hard to resist the impulse to squeeze it.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7544266466872148515/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your position by clicking the [Up/Down] buttons below.