Potential Acquisition of J-10CE Fighters by Bangladesh

Overview of Bangladesh’s Defense Acquisition

Bangladesh is positioning itself to expand its aerial capabilities through the acquisition of advanced combat aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan has indicated that the interim government in Dhaka has given preliminary approval for the procurement of multirole combat and attack aircraft, along with new surface-to-air missiles and long-range radar systems.

Likely Choice: J-10CE Fighter

While specific aircraft models have not been confirmed, the likelihood of choosing the Chinese-manufactured J-10CE fighter jet appears high. This assessment is bolstered by earlier discussions between Muhammad Yumus, Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Beijing earlier this year.

• The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) could potentially acquire up to 20 J-10CE jets by 2027.
• An inter-ministerial committee led by Chief Air Marshal Khan is expected to finalize this purchase, pending negotiations with Chinese officials.

Financial Implications

Estimates suggest the aircraft would cost around $1.2 billion. When factoring in supplementary expenses such as training and spare parts, the total expenditure could reach $2.2 billion over a ten-year payment schedule, extending into the mid-2030s.

Geostrategic Context

Situated between India and, to a lesser degree, Myanmar, Bangladesh faces unique security challenges. The need to enhance air defense capabilities is pressing as the current fleet mainly consists of aging and accident-prone Chinese F-7s and Russian MiG-29s. A notable accident involving an F-7 aircraft occurred recently, leading to significant casualties.

Urgency for Modernization

Given the obsolescence of existing air assets, the BAF’s modernization plans under the Forces Goal 2030 initiative must be prioritized. The inclusion of the J-10CE could significantly bolster the air force’s operational capabilities.

• Current Fleet Limitations:
  • Obsolete Chinese-built F-7s
  • Aging Russian MiG-29s

Exploration of Alternatives

Despite the strong inclination towards the J-10, the BAF has also been considering Western options. Recent activities included participation in demonstration flights of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Italy, showcasing an interest in diverse air combat platforms.

Benefits of Chinese Equipment

Bangladesh has consistently expanded its defense collaboration with China, acquiring asset types such as Type 15 light tanks and Type 035G submarines. This trend suggests a seamless integration of Chinese technology would likely resonate with existing operational paradigms in the BAF.

Regional Impact of Procurement

Acquiring the J-10CE could provoke shifts in the regional security landscape, particularly in the context of Bangladesh’s relationship with Western nations, including the United States. The introduction of this advanced fighter would position the BAF with capabilities that could effectively respond to threats along India’s western, northern, and eastern peripheries.

Influence from Recent Conflicts

The desire for enhanced aerial capacity has intensified following the recent confrontations between India and Pakistan, where J-10CE fighters were noted for their effectiveness. Brendan Mulvaney, director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, emphasized the J-10C’s role as a competitive and capable platform in modern warfare.

• Key Features of the J-10CE:
  • Advanced active electronically scanned array radar
  • Enhanced data link capabilities
  • Beyond-visual-range missile systems, such as the PL-15E

The potential induction of the J-10CE would not merely update the BAF’s inventory but could fundamentally transform its combat efficacy.

Conclusion

The prospective acquisition of the J-10CE fighter jet represents a significant step forward for the Bangladesh Air Force in modernizing its capabilities. As the BAF pursues greater operational readiness amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, the implications of this potential procurement extend far beyond national defense, influencing regional security paradigms and international relations.