Bangladesh is planning to buy 20 Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets to increase its capabilities.
According to a report by Defense Security Asia, the proposed $2.2 billion package includes fighter jets, logistics, training and long-term maintenance facilities. These 4.5 generation fighters are likely to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. This modern fighter has AESA radar and advanced network-centric combat system.
Meanwhile, the potential deal has created strategic uneasiness in India’s defense circles, particularly over the security of the sensitive Siliguri Corridor. Analysts believe that this defense policy of Bangladesh after political changes and the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could add a new dimension to the military balance in the region.
The sensitive Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) located geographically along the northern border of Bangladesh’s Rangpur and Dinajpur regions has created discomfort and anxiety in the Indian security circles. This 20-22 km wide corridor is the only means of communication between the seven northeastern states with mainland India.
The report mentions that after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, the chief advisor of the interim government. Under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s defense policy is showing new coordination. According to defense analysts, China’s defense and infrastructure investment in Bangladesh is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and an attempt to create a larger strategic sphere of influence. As a result, India will not see it as just a simple sovereign defense purchase, which could further complicate the regional power equation.
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