In a major move to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force and strengthen the country’s air defence, the government has initiated a plan to purchase 20 J-10CE multirole fighter jets from China at an estimated cost of USD 2.2 billion (around Tk 27,060 crore).

According to official documents, the purchase, training, and related expenses are expected to be implemented during the 2025–26 and 2026–27 fiscal years through direct purchase or a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with China. The payment for the aircraft will be made over 10 years — until the 2035–36 fiscal year.

The J-10CE is the export variant of China’s J-10C, currently used by the Chinese Air Force. The aircraft gained global attention in May this year after Pakistan claimed to have used J-10CEs to down several Indian Rafale jets during border tensions — though the claim has yet to be independently verified.

As per the financial estimation prepared by the Chief Adviser’s Office, each fighter jet is expected to cost USD 60 million. That puts the total cost of the 20 jets at USD 1.2 billion (around Tk 14,760 crore).

Additional expenses — including local and overseas training, procurement of equipment, and freight costs — will add another USD 820 million (Tk 10,086 crore). Factoring in insurance, VAT, agency commissions, and infrastructure expenses, the total project cost stands at USD 2.2 billion.

The Finance Ministry will allocate funds annually for the next decade to complete the payment by FY 2035–36.

During Chief Adviser Prof Yunus’s visit to China in March this year, the issue of purchasing multirole combat aircraft was discussed with Chinese officials, according to a statement from the CA Press Wing. China was reportedly positive about the proposal.

To finalise the deal, an 11-member inter-ministerial committee, headed by the Chief of Air Staff, was formed in April. The committee includes representatives from the CA Office, Ministry of Defence, Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, and the Ministry of Law, among others.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing the draft agreement, assessing the feasibility of the G2G procurement process, and examining issues related to aircraft maintenance, training, spare parts management, and logistics support.

It will also negotiate with Chinese representatives to finalise the price, payment terms, and agreement details before the signing of the deal.