J-10C fighter jet deal: An economic litmus test

Bangladesh's negotiations to purchase twelve Chinese J-10C multirole fighters, a deal estimated to cost over US$ 500 million, are often framed purely in military terms. Yet, the financial and economic implications of such a procurement demand far more rigorous scrutiny. The catastrophic crash of an outdated F-7BGI in July 2025 starkly demonstrated the dangers of relying on aging aircraft, making fleet modernisation not merely desirable but a prerequisite.

The J-10C, equipped with a sophisticated AESA radar and beyond-visual-range engagement capabilities, indeed represents a generational leap in combat technology. However, the economic burden of this acquisition extends well beyond the nominal US$ 40-45 million price per aircraft. Costs associated with pilot training programmes, specialised armaments, and long-term maintenance contracts will inevitably strain the country's limited foreign exchange reserves. With Bangladesh's defence budget shrinking and dollar liquidity under pressure, a simplistic "buy and fly" approach is a financial luxury the nation cannot afford. Without careful planning, this strategy risks marginalising local entrepreneurs and engineers while adding to national debt liabilities.

International experiences, particularly from countries such as Turkey and Brazil, demonstrate that defence purchases can be leveraged to cultivate domestic aerospace industries, promote technology transfer, and stimulate derivative commercial ventures. If Dhaka structures the J-10C acquisition to include meaningful offsets -- such as local assembly, component manufacturing, and domestic training institutions -- it could foster an ecosystem that strengthens national security while simultaneously diversifying the industrial base. Such a strategy would turn the fighter jet deal into an engine for broader economic development rather than a mere line item on a balance sheet.

Without this forward-looking approach, these jets risk becoming expensive ornaments on the tarmac, draining the exchequer without yielding long-term benefit. Ultimately, the real test of this procurement is not just whether Bangladesh can achieve superior aerial capability, but whether it can build the economic pillars necessary to sustain and capitalise on that capability.

Jakia Jafrin Esha

BBA

North South University

Jakia.esha.232@gmail.com