Bangladesh eyes Chinese jets used by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor| What it means for India
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.
PTC News Desk: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li on June 25 and Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26 during his ongoing official visit to China.
According to the sources, 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.
The J-10CE is the export version of China's Chengdu J-10C, a modern 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft. The jet is already operated by Pakistan and was reportedly used during the aerial engagements linked to Operation Sindoor, where it faced Indian Air Force aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, SEPECAT Jaguar and Dassault Rafale.
Bangladesh's interest in acquiring the J-10CE is part of its "Forces Goal 2030" military modernisation programme, launched in 2009. If the deal goes through, it would significantly boost the capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force, which currently operates a mix of ageing Chinese and Russian aircraft. However, the purchase could also increase Bangladesh's reliance on China and expand Beijing's military and diplomatic influence in South Asia.
The J-10CE is considered one of China's most advanced fighter jets available for export. It is powered by the WS-10B afterburning turbofan engine and can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8. The aircraft is designed for air defence, strike missions and maritime operations.
Its delta-wing and canard design, combined with a digital fly-by-wire control system, gives the fighter excellent agility during air combat and missile-avoidance manoeuvres.
The aircraft can carry up to 5,600 kilograms of weapons and equipment on 11 hardpoints. This includes air-to-air missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions, allowing it to perform a variety of missions such as air superiority operations, ground attacks and precision strikes.
This versatility is particularly important for Bangladesh, which operates a relatively small air force due to budget constraints. A multi-role fighter like the J-10CE would allow the country to carry out several types of missions with a single platform, making its air force more effective and efficient.
What it will mean for India ?
From a military standpoint, Bangladesh's planned purchase of 24 J-10CE fighter jets is not expected to significantly change the balance of power with India.
The Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command, based in Shillong, reportedly operates around four fighter squadrons in Assam and West Bengal. These units are equipped with advanced aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale, giving India an estimated 60–70 modern combat aircraft in the eastern sector.
As a result, even if Bangladesh adds 24 J-10CE fighters to its fleet, India is expected to retain a clear advantage in air power in the region. While the new jets would strengthen Bangladesh's air force and improve its operational capabilities, they are unlikely to fundamentally change the overall military balance between the two countries.