Kathrine Frich
They will not replace their old Russian planes with new ones
After sounding out European and Chinese suppliers, Dhaka has now confirmed discussions with a new potential partner, raising questions about how broad its final shopping list will be.
Islamabad talks
Bangladesh’s military leadership has confirmed that talks were held in Islamabad on the possible purchase of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.
According to official statements cited by Asia Times, the meeting involved senior air force commanders from both countries.
The Bangladeshi Ministry of Defence said it held “detailed discussions on the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft,” without disclosing how many jets might be ordered or when a decision could be made.
All other details of the talks remain classified.
Three contenders
The Pakistani-built JF-17 is the third fighter type publicly linked to Bangladesh’s modernisation plans.
In October 2025, Dhaka announced its intention to buy 20 Chinese-made J-10CE fighters.
Two months later, in December, the defence ministry contacted Italian group Leonardo about a possible purchase of Eurofighter Typhoons, according to reporting at the time.
No figures were given for a potential Eurofighter order.
Cost questions
Analysts at Defense Express have questioned whether Bangladesh genuinely plans to acquire three different types of fighter jets, or whether the announcements reflect shifting priorities.
They note that operating multiple platforms would require a very large defence budget.
The planned purchase of 20 J-10CEs has been estimated at about $1.2 billion, with an additional $820 million needed for equipment.
A single squadron of 12 Eurofighter Typhoons would cost at least $3 billion. By comparison, Defense Express estimates a squadron of 12 JF-17s would cost around $1.4 billion.
Existing fleet
Bangladesh currently operates a mixed and ageing fleet.
It includes around 45 Chinese-built J-7 fighters, derived from the Soviet-era MiG-21, eight MiG-29s bought in the late 1990s, and 12 Yak-130 trainer and light combat aircraft.
The number and type of jets Bangladesh ultimately plans to replace have not been made public.
Despite its existing Russian-built aircraft, analysts say Bangladesh is unlikely to turn to Moscow for new fighters.
They point out that other countries have made similar choices.
Defense Express notes that Libya, which also operates Russian equipment, has opted against further purchases from Russia and instead selected the Pakistani JF-17.
Sources: Asia Times, Defense Express, WP.
