Bangladesh Air Force’s MMRCA procurement plan at a glance

Reading Time: 3 minutes Here is a detailed analysis of the options available to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) for acquiring six squadrons (96 aircraft total) of single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. The assessment includes prospective platforms from China, South Korea, Sweden, and the USA, and covers key aspects such as acquisition costs, infrastructure, lifecycle support, technology transfer, and diplomatic implications. 1. China – Chengdu J-10CE Aircraft Overview: Type: Single-engine, delta-canard, 4.5-generation multirole fighter Engine: WS-10B (China’s indigenous alternative to Russian AL-31FN) Radar: AESA radar (KLJ-7A or newer variant) Armament: PL-10, PL-15, LS-6, CM-400AKG, and other precision munitions Acquisition Cost: ~$35–$40 million per unit Total programme cost (96 aircraft): ~$3.4–$4.0 billion Infrastructure Cost: New hangars, hardened shelters, and maintenance bays China may subsidise infrastructure development through defence credits or joint infrastructure projects Lifecycle & Support: China offers long-term maintenance packages, local assembly options, and high spare parts availability WS-10B is still