Operation by Airmart Shall Anyl Cosula (R)
Bangladesh is increasingly interested in modernizing the Air Force as part of a more widespread military modernization under the Initiative “Force’s Goal 2030”. The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) currently operates an old platform. These aging aircraft are increasingly insufficient for modern threats and needs to be replaced with advanced platforms.
BAF has recently considered acquiring new generation multi -roll fighters, including Chinese aircraft.
Interest in the J-10C: The J-10C of China, a multi-roller fighter jet with advanced avionics, weapon systems, and cost efficiency, was published in the Wish List of Bangladesh. The news on the possibility of the acquisition of the J-10C aircraft was followed by the Air Bureau Director Hasan Muffmood Khan’s visit to China in November 2024. He is reportedly expressed Bangladesh’s desire to get about 16 J-10C multi-roll fighters from China.
Interest in the JF-17: The high-level defense team from Bangladesh expressed interest in the JF-17 lightning while visiting Pakistan in January 2025. , At the Islamabard Aviation Headquarters, we met the Chief Chief of the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) Zhel Afmad Bavar Sidu.
According to the report, Vice Admiral Hassan explicitly expressed interest in the JF-17 Thunder Aircraft, causing rumors about the possibility of purchasing. This was the first time that Bangladesh has expressed his interest in the JF-17. Previous reports suggested that Bangladesh greatly supported China’s J-10C 4.5-generation aircraft.
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J-10C aircraft
The J-10C, known as a “active dragon,” is claimed to be a 4th generation multi-roller fighter with a Chinese WS-10B engine. The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation in China has developed it. The J-10C represents the evolution version of the J-10 series. The J-10C was first announced to the Chinese people in July 2017 and has been operated since 2018. It has made a bigger progress than the previous variations.
Both air -to -air and air missions are possible, suitable for diverse operation scenarios. The J-10C with a Delta Wing-Canard configuration and an optional thrust vector engine asserts excellent maneuverability and sensitive Ility in battle. The J-10C is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with enhanced detection, tracking and targeting functions under all weather conditions. The electronic warfare system that has been integrated with advanced avionics to interfere with enemy radar and oppose electronic threats, enhances survival.
Jet can carry various weapons, including PL-15, which exceeds the visual range of more than 200 km.
JF-17 Aircraft
JF-17 Thunder is a single engine, lightweight, multilewol fighter. The maximum speed is about 1,200 mph, with a 50,000 feet service limit, and the JF-17 can execute various tasks. Designed to carry Chinese weapons to seven hard points, such as LS-6 GPS-induced glide bombs, PL-5 short-range air, YJ-12 Super Sonic and YJ-83 Aon Songcon anticon-anticon. I am. Shipping games.
Although it is not integrated directly, the JF-17 can also equip a self-defense jammer and an external pod that carries an electrical optical/infrared sensor. Since the 2007 PAF guidance, the JF-17 has been upgraded several times. If Bangladesh decides to go to the JF-17, you may buy a block III variant with excellent maneuverability, extension, and enhanced fighter function.
Comparative analysis: JF-17 Thunder vs. J-10C
JF-17 Thunder and J-10C are the latest fighters developed by China. The former was a shared effort between China and Pakistan. These are designed according to various roles, customers, and operation needs.
Background of development: JF-17 Thunder was developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in China and the Pakistan Aviation Complex (PAC). It is designed as a lightweight multi -roll fighter with export market and Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Aircraft are known for their reasonable prices and ease of maintenance.
On the other hand, the J-10C was generated only by the CAC of the Chinese Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). This is a more sophisticated multi -roller, a fighter of the 4th generation or more designed for high -end performance and more sophisticated.
Role and Mission: JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight multi-roller fighter suitable for air defense, air support, and precision strike. For countries with limited defense budgets. In comparison, the J-10C is designed as a moderate multi-roll fighter that can be dominant, ground attack, and advanced electronic battles. Works in a threat environment against sophisticated enemies.
Aircraft and design: JF-17 Thunder is lightweight (maximum takeoff weight of about 12.7 tons) and focuses on conventional layouts, simplicity and agility. Use composite materials to reduce weight and cost. Because it is small and light, it is easier to deploy from the air base in front.
In contrast, the J-10C has a medium level (up to about 19 tons of take-on weight) and has an excellent maneuverability and a canard delta wing configuration for aerodynamics. The larger the size, the higher the payload and the range.
Avionics and Sensor: The new JF-17 Thunder Vianth has an active KLJ-7 or NRIT KLJ-7A an active electronic scan ray (AESA) radar. There is a decent avionic suite, such as a display (HMD) attached to a glass cock pit and a helmet. On the other hand, the J-10C has an advanced AESA radar with an excellent range and tracking capacity, a highly complete digital flight system, integrated HMD, and a robust EW suite that can compete with high-end threats.
Engine and Performance: Russian RD-93 or China WS-13 engines are equipped with JF-17 Thunder. The engine has a thrust of 85 kn, so that the aircraft can achieve the Mach 1.6 speed, a 1,352 km battle radius, and the 55,000 feet service. On the other hand, the J-10C initially had an AL-31FN (Russian) engine. The new variation uses a Chinese WS-10B TAIHANG engine for 132 kn thrusts. The aircraft can achieve the speed of Mach 2.2, with a 1,700 km and 59,055 feet services.
Weapon System: JF-17 Thunder carries precision inducing ammunition such as PL-5, PL-9, PL-10, or PL-15 BEYOND-BISUAL-RANGE (BVR) missiles, laser-guided bombs and cruise missiles. You can (Ra ‘AD) and CM-400akg anti-cycle missile. The total payload is 3,600 kg.
The J-10C includes advanced PL-10 (IR guide) and PL-15 (BVR) air missiles, precision strike capabilities with high-range air missiles, advanced guide ammunition, and advanced opposition. There is a total payload of 6,000 kg. A missile boat for the role of maritime strike.
Stealth and survival: JF-17 Thunder has a limited stealth function and focuses on a decrease in radar cross sections (RCS) using composite materials. In contrast, the J-10C has a semi-stels design in which RCS has been reduced by forming an aircraft and the use of RAM (radar absorption material). It can survive in a contested environment.
Cost: The cost of JF-17 Thunder is reported to be about $ 3,000 to 400,000 (depending on the variant) per unit, but the J-10C is about $ 60,000 to 700,000 per unit.
JF-17 Thunder is expected to be affordable and expected to be a multi-purpose fighter and is ideal for countries that require inexpensive and reliable multilolol platforms. In contrast, the J-10C is a more skillful and sophisticated aircraft and is suitable for countries that are looking for high-end performance and advanced technology.
Kidai Namics
Bangladesh is considering acquiring China’s JF-17 Thunder and probably J-10C for the next-generation fighter program. JF-17 Thunder offers a highly expensive multi-roll platform with advanced functions, such as agaraders, stealth functions, and modern weapons. It provides -10C aircraft, but it matches Bangladesh’s ambition to strengthen local deterrence.
However, the final decision depends on many factors, such as balancing operational requirements, geopolitical considerations, and financial execution possibilities.
Strategic with China: Bangladesh maintains strong defense and economic relationships with China, the biggest military hardware supplier. Bangladesh is the second largest weapon buyer in China after Pakistan. China has previously supplied Bangladesh, a naval ship, tank, and other defense systems, making Chinese aircraft a logical choice for continuing.
Depending on China: China’s dependence on defense devices can limit Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy and expose geopolitical pressure from Beijing.
Effective prices and funding: Chinese fighters are much cheaper than western counter parts such as Eur-Fighter Typhoon, Dassolfare, and Lockheed Martin F-16. China offers a flexible financing option to appeal to Bangladesh.
Operation cost: Pay-paid cost is low, but if Bangladesh selects high-end platforms like J-10C, operating costs and maintenance costs may accumulate over time. Chinese loans can deepen the economic dependence on Bangladesh to Beijing, and can lead to a wider range of strategic vulnerabilities.
Assignments and concerns: Chinese aircraft, such as JF-17 and J-10C, are progressing, but may be delayed in western jets in reliability, engine performance, and software integration. Critics argue that aircraft depend on old technology and reverse engineering components.
Geopolitics: Geopolitical tension in the Indian Pacific is growing, and China and the United States want Bangladesh in camps. Bangladesh’s shift to China can put a burden on the relationship with the United States.
Balance of foreign policy: The United States and the Western countries may consider the serious defense relationship with Bangladesh as a transition from a balanced foreign policy. This alignment can affect the ability to balance Bangladesh and other major powerful powers. It can also affect access and economic support for Bangladesh’s Western defense technology.
India’s concern: The acquisition of Bangladesh’s Chinese jet is in line with China’s broader strategies that deepen defense with Beijing and offset the influence of the Indian region. This may change the balance of power in South Asian. Acquiring a Chinese jet and working with China will complicate the relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Conclusion
The need to quickly upgrade Bangladesh, restrictions on budgets, strategic relationships with China, and other geopolitical considerations may be relatively good at JF-17 Thunder Block III.
The potential acquisition of a Chinese fighter in Bangladesh indicates both opportunities and risks. On the other hand, the Bangladesh Air Force has enhanced and improved deterrence and operational flexibility. On the other hand, this movement has substantial financial, operation, and geopolitical issues that can exceed profits if they are not managed carefully.
This decision also has a significant meaning in Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy. Bangladesh needs to carefully and carefully compare strategic, operation, and economic priority in order to make decisions based on information to strengthen national security while maintaining a balanced foreign policy approach. 。
AVSM, AVSM, VM, AIR MARSHAL ANIL ANIL KHOSLA PVSM is the former Deputy Director of Indian Air Force (VCAS), AOC of Eastern Air Command. The author of the author tweeted: @Anilkhosla16
