Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to acquire China’s J-10CE fighter jets, with the aircraft’s reported performance during the recent Pakistan-India conflict influencing Dhaka’s interest.

A government committee has completed a draft agreement for the purchase of the multirole fighter aircraft, Bangladesh’s Adviser to the Prime Minister for Policy, Strategy and Information Zahed Ur Rahman said at a media briefing in Dhaka.

The proposed deal is part of Bangladesh’s broader effort to modernize its air force and strengthen its combat capabilities.

The J-10CE is China’s export version of the J-10C. The single-engine fighter is designed for a range of missions, including air combat and ground attacks, and is equipped with modern radar, electronic warfare and missile systems.

Bangladesh’s interest in the aircraft grew following the latest military confrontation between Pakistan and India. During the conflict, Pakistan used Chinese-made fighter aircraft and weapons, drawing international attention to the performance of Chinese defence technology.

The developments have also prompted several countries to reassess their military procurement plans, particularly those seeking relatively advanced fighter aircraft at a lower cost than many Western alternatives.

Bangladesh already has a long-standing defence relationship with China. Beijing has supplied Dhaka with various military platforms and equipment over the years, including combat aircraft.

The J-10CE could therefore provide Bangladesh with a more modern fighter capability while building on its existing experience with Chinese military hardware.

However, the proposed purchase has not yet been completed. The draft contract will still have to go through the remaining approval and procurement procedures before a final agreement is signed.

If finalized, the deal would represent a major upgrade for the Bangladesh Air Force and further strengthen defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing.