Bangladesh advances plan to procure Chinese J-10CE fighter jets

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The government is moving forward with plans to procure Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force as part of an ongoing modernisation programme.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman disclosed the plan at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

He said the government is working to procure fourth-generation MRCA fighter aircraft of different models, along with attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and UAV systems. The procurements will be implemented this fiscal year if funds are allocated in the current budget; otherwise, they will be included in the next budget.

According to the adviser, a committee has prepared a draft agreement following negotiations over the procurement of J-10CE MRCA fighter jets and attack helicopters. The draft has been sent to the Armed Forces Division and other ministries for approval.

Explaining the government's interest in the J-10CE, Zahed Ur Rahman said the aircraft had demonstrated its capabilities in a recent combat situation involving India and Pakistan. He said Bangladesh had therefore focused on the Chinese-made multirole fighter as one of its options.

The adviser also said Chinese fighter jets are considerably cheaper than comparable Rafale aircraft and European models such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.

He said the government hopes to take necessary measures to strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, State Minister for Information Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana and Chief Information Officer of the Press Information Department Syed Abdal Ahmed were also present at the briefing.