Press Release
Beyond China's J-10CE Acquisition: What is Needed Is a Vision for Bangladesh's Military

Purchasing advanced weapons is one thing, and achieving genuine defense independence is another. Bangladesh is now entering formal talks with China for J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters, and as our policymakers weigh this deal, it is worth stepping back to examine the bigger picture. Strengthening our military is essential, but the choices we make today will echo far into the future.

History teaches us that dependence on foreign suppliers for critical design, production, and upgrade capabilities carries serious risks. Nations that rely heavily on others often face loss of autonomy, strategic vulnerability, and stunted domestic innovation. Worse, they can find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of purchasing complex systems they cannot sustain independently.

Consider Turkey's defense industry between 1919 and 1950. Despite ambitious goals to build indigenous capabilities, Turkey fell short and became heavily reliant on Western military assistance when it joined NATO. This should serve as a reminder that true strength lies not in what we buy, but in what we can build and control ourselves.

Our own Islamic heritage offers guidance. During the siege of Ta'if, and before the conquest of Yemen, the Muslim army acquired a mangonel catapult and two siege shelters from a region renowned for weaponry (Al-Waqidi states in his "Book of History and Military Campaigns"). However, they did not stop there. They quickly established domestic manufacturing to build such weapons, removing all dependence on others and paving the way for later successes. For centuries, Muslims led the world in military technology, able to wage war without reliance on adversaries, to the point that China itself was compelled to pay financial tribute to the Khilafah (Caliphate).

Today, we must think carefully. Any major weapons purchase embeds long-term liabilities into our armed forces. Jet engines, precision spare parts, and military-grade software all come with strings attached. China or any other supplier could, in the future, impose restrictions, delay deliveries, or deny access to crucial upgrades for political reasons. Our military capability should never be held hostage by foreign interests.

The Islamic Ummah has no shortage of intelligence, energy, or natural wealth. What we await is a Khalifah who rules by the Book of Allah (swt) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (saw). Under the Khilafah Rashidah (rightly guided Caliphate), Allah willing, a domestic machine industry will be established on an urgent basis — turning our potential into power. Its policy will place Bangladesh's ownership of source code, critical design data, and upgrade authority at the forefront — securing our defense future without reliance on any foreign power.

Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Wilayah Bangladesh