Bangladesh Makes Urgent Acquisition of JF-17 Block III Fighters

Reading Time: 2 minutes Amid rising tensions along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has reportedly moved to strengthen its combat capabilities. Complementing the ongoing J-10CE programme, the Air Force is said to have procured 16 JF-17 Thunder Block III light fighters on an emergency basis, valued at approximately USD 720 million (BDT 8,856 crore) for emplacement at BAF Base Cox’s Bazar. The move responds to an increase in cross-border instability in recent months, prompting the induction of multirole aircraft capable of quick-reaction alert (QRA), air patrol, and precision strike missions in the south-eastern theatre. The procurement has been described as an expedited arrangement, aimed at ensuring the BAF reinforces operational readiness without delay. Next-Generation Fighter Technology Co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 Block III represents the most advanced iteration of the JF-17 family, firmly positioning it as a 4.5-generation