Bangladesh’s Pursuit of Chinese J-10C Fighters: Strategic Calculations Amid Regional Tensions

Reading Time: 2 minutes In the aftermath of the 2025 Indo-Pakistan conflict, Bangladesh is reportedly advancing plans to procure 16 Chinese-made J-10C multirole fighter jets, aiming to modernise its air force and enhance national defence capabilities. The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) currently operates a fleet of aging Chinese-built F-7 fighters and a limited number of MiG-29s, which are increasingly inadequate against modern threats. The proposed acquisition of the J-10C, a fourth-generation-plus fighter equipped with advanced avionics and weaponry, is seen as a significant step towards bolstering the BAF’s operational readiness and deterrence posture. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan has publicly underscored the need for a generational leap in combat readiness, stating, “We are trying our best to acquire modern fighter jets and attack helicopters” . Bangladesh’s interest in the J-10C aligns with its longstanding defence relationship with China, a key supplier of military hardware to Dhaka. The move also