Bangladesh Snubs Chinese J-10C, Eyes Eurofighter; Chinese Propaganda Against Rafale Falls Flat

Dhaka/Beijing: Despite China’s persistent efforts, Bangladesh has refused to purchase the Chinese J-10C fighter jet, dealing a significant setback to Beijing’s defense export ambitions. In a surprising turn, Dhaka is now showing keen interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon, signaling a shift toward Western fighter aircraft.

According to the Eurasian Times, Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to begin talks for acquiring 12 to 16 Eurofighter Typhoons. If the deal is finalized, Bangladesh would become the 11th country to operate the 4.5-generation multirole fighter, which was jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Notably, Bangladesh would be the first South Asian nation to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Growing Preference for Eurofighter
While the J-10C remains in contention in Bangladesh’s multirole fighter program, the LoI for Eurofighter Typhoon has intensified Beijing’s concerns. Analysts note that Bangladesh’s move underlines the growing preference for Western platforms, even though the J-10C is priced at roughly half the cost of a Rafale or Eurofighter.

Chinese Propaganda Against Rafale Fails
China has actively promoted the J-10C, claiming its superiority during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May. Pakistani sources had alleged that the J-10C, equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles, shot down multiple Indian jets, including Rafales. However, reports later confirmed that the only Rafale lost was due to technical malfunction, not enemy action.

Despite this aggressive propaganda, Beijing has failed to secure new orders for the J-10C, highlighting the limitations of Chinese fighter jets in the international market. Bangladesh’s move marks another blow to China’s regional defense ambitions, following Indonesia’s earlier rejection of the J-10C.