Bangladesh has made significant progress towards acquiring Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters to modernise its air defence capabilities.
Zahed Ur Rahman, information and broadcasting adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said the government had prepared a draft agreement for negotiations.
Rahman said Bangladesh’s interest in the J-10CE was partly influenced by its reported performance during the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025.
He cited reports that a Chinese-made J-10 fighter had shot down an Indian Rafale aircraft during the conflict.
Rahman also said Chinese fighter jets were significantly cheaper than comparable European aircraft, including the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.
“Therefore, Bangladesh is paying attention to this, and it is hoped that we are progressing very well on this path,” he said.
Bangladesh has been considering the acquisition of Chinese combat aircraft for several years as part of efforts to strengthen its air defence.
According to Dhaka-based newspaper The Business Standard, the former interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally proposed purchasing 20 J-10CE fighter jets from China in October 2025.
The proposed acquisition was estimated at 2.2 billion dollars, according to the newspaper.
Separately, the Bangladesh Air Force signed a letter of intent with Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo in December for possible acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The Air Force headquarters in Dhaka however did not disclose the number of aircraft involved or financial details of the proposed Eurofighter deal. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen