Everything you need to know about China’s J-10CE fighter jet

The Chengdu J-10, also known as the "Vigorous Dragon," is a Chinese single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). 

It entered operational service with the PLAAF in 2006 and represents China's first indigenous third-generation fighter, emphasising air superiority with secondary ground-attack capabilities.

Specifications of the J-10CE fighter jet, and a snapshot of the Bangladesh deal, showing details such as deal value, per-unit cost, and expected delivery. | Illustration: Ashrafun Naher Ananna/TBS Creative

 Development began in 1981, with the first flight in 1998, and it has evolved through variants incorporating advanced avionics and engines. 

To modernise the Bangladesh Air Force and strengthen national air defence, the government is preparing to buy 20 Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets at an estimated cost of $2.20 billion (around Tk27,060 crore) by 2027. 

The deal, which covers procurement, training, maintenance, and associated expenses, is expected to be executed during FY2025-26 and FY2026-27, either through a direct purchase or a government-to-government arrangement. Payments would be spread across 10 fiscal years, up to FY2035-36.