Bangladesh may acquire 16 Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters
The apparent interest in the J-10C may reflect deepening relations with China, although the Bangladesh Air Force does have a long history of operating Chinese fighter aircraft, including the three squadrons of Chengdu F-7s (totalling up to 36 singe-seat F-7MB, BG and BGIs and 14 two-seat FT-7B, BG and BGIs), that augment the air force’s single MiG-29 unit.
During the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar as Chief of the Air Staff (2015-2018), there was an aspiration to phase out Russian and Chinese fighters in favour of western-made aircraft, with Esrar reportedly favouring acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon. Under Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat (CAS from 2018-2021) it became clear that securing Western fighters would be politically and economically difficult, while Russia’s role as a supplier was limited by the poor delivery performance of its industry, and the threat of CAATSA sanctions after the occupation of Crimea and the war in the Donbas.
The viability of buying equipment from Russia was further eroded under the tenure of Air Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan, especially following the invasion of Ukraine. This has left China as the most likely supplier of combat aircraft for Bangladesh, although there has been regular speculation that Dhaka could purchase Sino-Pakistani JF-17s.
The J-10C is a more advanced option than the JF-17, with a more mature AESA radar integration and a more ‘competitive’ airframe. China’s ability to facilitate a very rapid delivery of the type to Pakistan (within months of a contract signature) may add to its appeal.
It is believed that the Bangladesh Air Force could purchase 16 J-10C aircraft to replace its older F-7MBs, leaving a possibility of another procurement to replace the F-7BGs and F-7BGIs.
