In recent days, various images have begun circulating on social media showing Chengdu J-10CE fighters undergoing testing phases, suggesting the preparation of a new batch with a view to future deliveries to foreign customers. So far, it has not been officially confirmed who the final recipient of these aircraft would be, with secrecy maintained regarding the origin of the potential contract.
The J-10CE represents the export version of the single-engine multirole fighter developed by China’s aeronautical industry and is one of the main defense products that Beijing offers on the international market. At present, Pakistan is the only confirmed foreign operator of this variant, which was incorporated into its Air Force as part of a process to modernize its combat fleet.
Bangladesh as a possible customer
In this context, various reports indicate that China may be finalizing details for a potential sale of 20 J-10CE fighters to the Bangladesh Air Force, which would make the Asian country the second international customer for the model. The operation would require an estimated investment of USD 2.2 billion and would be framed within the modernization program currently being pursued by that service.
The Bangladesh Air Force currently operates around 44 combat aircraft, of which 36 correspond to J-7 fighters, a Chinese-origin model that Beijing is in the process of converting into unmanned platforms. If the agreement were to be finalized, local reports indicate that its execution would take place between fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and would include not only the supply of aircraft, but also personnel training and support for maintenance tasks.
For the moment, it has not been confirmed whether the potential contract would be structured as a direct purchase or under a government-to-government scheme. Nevertheless, the possibility is mentioned that payments could be spread over ten fiscal years, with the aim of reducing the impact on Bangladesh’s defense budget.
Competition with the Eurofighter
At the same time, the modernization process of the Bangladesh Air Force has also opened space for Western competitors. In this regard, a Letter of Intent (LOI) was recently signed aimed at positioning the Eurofighter Typhoon as the main candidate in a potential acquisition of multirole fighters, which would have relegated the Chinese J-10CE within the selection process.
The signing took place at Bangladesh Air Force headquarters and was attended by the Italian ambassador, Antonio Alessandro, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, among other authorities. Italy’s diplomatic presence is explained by the role of Leonardo, the company leading negotiations on behalf of the Eurofighter consortium and which holds a 21% stake in the program.
It should be recalled that delegations from the Bangladesh Air Force visited Leonardo’s facilities in Turin earlier this year, where they evaluated the production and operational capabilities of the European fighter. These precedents allow for the consideration that, should this option move forward, assembly of the aircraft could take place in Italy.
Operational background of the J-10CE
International interest in the J-10CE has also been influenced by its reported performance in a real conflict. During the recent clashes between Pakistan and India, J-10CE fighters of the Pakistan Air Force and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, both of Chinese origin, are reported to have played a relevant role in aerial engagements.
While the so-called “fog of war” persists and there has been an intense information campaign by both sides, various sources indicated that the Indian Air Force may have suffered at least five shoot-downs, some of which are attributed to the use of J-10CE aircraft armed with PL-15 missiles. Among the most frequently mentioned episodes is the alleged shoot-down of up to three French-origin Rafale fighters, although there is no official confirmation regarding the exact causes behind the loss of those aircraft.
The involvement of the J-10CE/PL-15 combination was initially corroborated through the discovery of fragments of Chinese-made missiles in different areas of Indian territory. According to available reports, the air forces of both countries are said to have operated exclusively within their own airspace, which limits accessible information and makes records fragmented and subject to censorship.
As new images and reports continue to emerge, the final destination of the batch of J-10CE fighters currently undergoing testing remains unconfirmed, in a scenario in which South Asia is shaping up as one of the main focal points of interest for the international expansion of this Chinese fighter.
Cover image obtained from @Mohsin_o2.
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