Bangladesh government is moving ahead with plans to procure Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat, Zahed said the government was working to procure fourth-generation MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft), attack and VIP helicopters, and UAV systems as part of the Air Force’s modernisation.
“If funds are available in the current fiscal year, the procurements will be implemented. Otherwise, they will be included in the next budget,” he said.
He said the relevant committee had prepared draft agreements through negotiations for the procurement of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters.
The drafts have been sent to the Armed Forces Division and other ministries for approval, according to a written statement.
On the J-10CE’s capabilities, Zahed cited its reported performance in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, saying a Chinese J-10 had shot down an Indian Rafale.
“China’s J-10 is a multirole fighter, while the Rafale is regarded as one of the most advanced 4.5-generation fighters. The J-10 performed very well in combat,” he said.
“Bangladesh is therefore focusing on this option, and we hope to make good progress,” Zahed added.
He also said Chinese fighter jets are significantly cheaper than European alternatives of similar quality, including the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.
Also attending the press briefing were Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, and Press Information Department Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed.