Bangladesh Air Force is planning to buy Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jet from China. If this deal is completed, Bangladesh will be the second South Asian country after Pakistan to include this advanced fighter aircraft in its army. Air Chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan of Bangladesh has called this step necessary to make his Air Force modern and powerful.
Bangladesh Air Force will purchase 16 J-10C aircraft in the first phase. After this, more aircraft will be included in other phases. Air Chief Marshal Hannan said that the Air Force currently has old F-7 fighter jets, which are in dire need of replacement. China had offered these jets in August, which has accelerated the process of modernization of the Air Force.
Features of J-10C fighter jet
The J-10C is a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet, which was first demonstrated in 2017. This aircraft is light and less susceptible to enemies. Along with this, it is equipped with Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) radar, which enables accurate target identification.
China-made WS-10C engine has been used in this aircraft, which makes it more powerful. This jet is equipped with PL-15 missile, whose range is 200-300 kilometers. Experts consider it equivalent to the American F-16, but its design includes some elements of Israel’s canceled Lavi project.
Impact on regional balance of power
After this deal, Bangladesh Air Force can achieve a strong position in the region. Pakistan has already purchased 25 J-10C fighter jets, the purpose of which is to counter India’s Rafale aircraft. Apart from this, countries like Egypt and Azerbaijan have also shown interest in this aircraft.
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