- Dhaka’s Fast-Tracked Fighter Jet Ambitions Signal a Shift in South Asia’s Air Power Landscape
In the wake of Pakistan’s recent and forceful deployment of its J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighters during a high-intensity standoff with India, South Asia’s airpower calculus may be on the verge of a dramatic transformation. Reports indicate that Bangladesh is now moving quickly to explore the same Chinese-built multirole fighters for its air force—a decision that, if finalized, would make it the second J-10C operator in South Asia and create serious implications for India, which could find itself flanked by identical advanced aircraft on both its eastern and western borders.
According to senior defence sources and regional media outlets, Dhaka has initiated preliminary talks with Beijing to procure an initial batch of 16 J-10C aircraft, part of a broader plan to phase out its ageing fleet of F-7 interceptors and build a modern, versatile, and strategically viable air combat force.
The interest comes amid heightened military alertness in the region. During the most recent aerial exchange between Pakistan and India, Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighters reportedly played a pivotal role. Multiple unconfirmed reports allege that Pakistan’s jets shot down three Indian Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Su-30MKI, although New Delhi has denied suffering such losses. Nonetheless, the mere possibility has spurred neighbouring countries to rethink their air defense postures, with Bangladesh evidently viewing the J-10C as a credible leap in capability.
Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), recently confirmed the country’s intent to pursue next-generation air assets. “We are trying our best to acquire fighter jets and attack helicopters,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of enhancing the country’s aerial deterrence in a volatile neighborhood.
Chinese defence officials have confirmed that an offer has been made to Bangladesh to supply J-10C fighters as a replacement for the aging Chinese-origin F-7s. The aircraft, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation, is categorized as a 4.5++ generation multirole platform, designed for both air superiority and strike roles.
Pakistan has already inducted 25 of these aircraft, purchased as a strategic counterweight to India’s French-built Rafale fleet. The aircraft’s combat debut, reportedly against India, has given the platform a newfound spotlight in international defence circles.
The J-10C’s export potential has also drawn interest from other countries beyond South Asia. Egypt has reportedly considered the aircraft as a possible replacement for its older U.S.-made F-16s, while Azerbaijan’s top air force leadership inspected the J-10C during Airshow China in Zhuhai—a possible indicator of expanding Chinese aerospace influence.
The prospect of Bangladesh acquiring J-10Cs comes at a time of tense diplomatic relations with India. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to seek asylum in India following political turmoil has reportedly strained ties. Analysts believe that Dhaka’s decision to modernize its military with Chinese support is not just a tactical move but a broader strategic pivot toward diversification and independence in defense procurement.
Should the deal proceed, India would face the unprecedented scenario of confronting the same advanced aircraft on both flanks, potentially operated under similar doctrine and equipped with long-range, radar-guided air-to-air missiles like the PL-15—believed to have ranges exceeding 200 km.
The J-10C represents the most advanced iteration of the J-10 lineage. Introduced into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2018, the aircraft is powered by China’s indigenous WS-10C engine, a shift away from dependency on Russian propulsion systems. This not only increases thrust but also facilitates smoother exports.
Crucially, the fighter is outfitted with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a must-have for modern air combat. Combined with the PL-15 missile, the J-10C can engage targets far beyond visual range, potentially even before adversaries are aware of its presence. Some Western analysts have compared the J-10C to the U.S.-made F-16 Block 70/72 in terms of capabilities, albeit with Chinese-specific doctrine and integration.
The aircraft’s design, widely speculated to draw from Israel’s defunct Lavi project, incorporates stealth-enhancing features, reduced radar cross-section, and agility-enhancing aerodynamics that make it a formidable dogfighter and strike platform.
India’s concern stems from more than just the capabilities of the J-10C. It’s the geopolitical messaging that matters: a growing Chinese military-technical footprint in its backyard, combined with the possibility of pincer-style pressure from hostile or less-aligned neighbors.
While India continues to upgrade its air force with Tejas, Rafales, and Su-30MKIs, the integration of J-10Cs into the Bangladeshi Air Force could create a new layer of strategic complexity. It forces New Delhi to rethink not only its eastern theatre doctrine but also its diplomatic and defense engagement with smaller South Asian states.
The possible J-10C acquisition fits into a wider modernization arc for the Bangladesh military. Over the past two decades, Dhaka has steadily upgraded its ground, naval, and aerial forces with significant Chinese assistance. From MBT-2000 tanks to the FM-90 air defence system and C-802A anti-ship missiles, Bangladesh has quietly become one of the region’s most China-equipped militaries.
Adding the J-10C to this ecosystem would deepen interoperability with Chinese systems, streamline logistics, and simplify training pipelines. It also aligns with Bangladesh’s ambitions to become more self-reliant and operationally ready for regional contingencies, including potential disputes in the Bay of Bengal and evolving threats from insurgent networks.
For the Bangladesh Air Force, acquiring the J-10C would offer a leap in mission capability—from basic air patrols to full-spectrum aerial combat operations. The aircraft’s multirole versatility allows for quick configuration changes, making it a valuable tool in both wartime and deterrence roles.
Moreover, the platform’s compatibility with Chinese command-and-control infrastructure opens pathways for more integrated air defense networks, joint exercises, and even potential intelligence sharing with China and Pakistan.
On the regional front, the ripple effect of this procurement could trigger a mini arms race, pushing India to expedite its own upgrades or diversify its fleet further. It could also force New Delhi to re-engage Dhaka diplomatically to counteract Chinese influence.
While the deal is not yet finalized, the momentum is clear. Bangladesh is positioning itself for a strategic leap, leveraging Chinese technology to enhance its defense autonomy and regional standing. If successful, the J-10C acquisition will mark a definitive turning point in South Asia’s military equilibrium.
For China, the expansion of J-10C operators reinforces its growing role as a global arms supplier and its strategic interest in encircling India through military partnerships. For India, it’s a wake-up call to recalibrate both its military posture and regional diplomacy.
