Dhaka Prepares Draft Agreement to Purchase Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The Bangladesh government is moving forward with plans to purchase Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force. As part of the Air Force’s modernization program, a draft agreement has been prepared for the procurement of the J-10CE aircraft.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Jahed Ur Rahman disclosed the information at a press conference held at the Press Information Department’s conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 25).

The adviser said the modernization of the Bangladesh Air Force is underway, including plans to procure fourth-generation MRCA (multirole combat aircraft), fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and UAV systems of various models.

He said the procurement could take place in the current fiscal year if budgetary support is secured; otherwise, it may be included in the budget for the next fiscal year.

Regarding the purchase of Chinese fighter jets, Jahed said a draft agreement has been prepared following negotiation meetings through the relevant committee for the procurement of MRCA (J-10CE) aircraft and attack helicopters.

The Prime Minister’s adviser further said there had been recent real-world combat experience involving the aircraft. Referring to the India-Pakistan conflict, he claimed that an Indian Rafale had been shot down by a Chinese J-10 fighter jet.

He noted that the Rafale is considered one of the most advanced 4.5-generation fighter aircraft and said the J-10 had performed well in a combat situation against it. Bangladesh has therefore focused on the Chinese multirole fighter, and he expressed optimism that the procurement process would progress successfully.