Bangladesh prepares draft agreement to buy Chinese J-10CE fighter jets: Zahed

Bangladesh has prepared a draft agreement for negotiations on the purchase of Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets and attack helicopters.

The information was disclosed by Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman at a press briefing on the government’s activities at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

He said Bangladesh is in talks with China over the purchase of J-10 fighter jets, with their performance and use in the recent India-Pakistan conflict being given particular consideration.

“We have probably seen reports that Bangladesh may purchase J-10 fighter jets,” Zahed Ur Rahman said, adding that the aircraft’s experience in recent combat operations is one of the reasons behind Bangladesh’s interest.

Referring to the India-Pakistan conflict, he claimed that Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets had shot down Indian Rafale aircraft during the fighting. He said the matter is now established.

The information adviser said the Rafale is considered one of the world’s most advanced 4.5-generation fighter jets, while the J-10 had demonstrated good performance in combat. Bangladesh is therefore seriously considering the aircraft, he said, adding that the government hopes to move forward with the procurement.

He also cited the J-10’s relatively lower price as one of its advantages, saying Chinese-made fighter jets are considerably cheaper than European aircraft such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.

“Our government will take all necessary measures to ensure the country’s defence,” Zahed Ur Rahman said, stressing that strengthening defence capabilities is extremely important.

He added that Bangladesh is also discussing the purchase of Chinese-made attack helicopters. A committee has prepared a draft agreement for negotiations on the proposed purchases.