Bangladesh’s Planned J-10 Deal Raises Strategic Questions for India
What Happened
Bangladesh is close to a $2.3 billion deal for 20 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with officials citing lessons from the India-Pakistan conflict. The move could strengthen China's defence presence in South Asia and draw attention in New Delhi.
Key Takeaways
A senior Bangladeshi adviser publicly cited claims about the J-10CE's performance during Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan conflict as a factor behind Dhaka's interest in the aircraft. The proposed purchase would make Bangladesh only the second confirmed foreign operator of the J-10CE after Pakistan, further expanding China's defence footprint in South Asia.