Bangladesh's Prime Minister's advisor on news and broadcasting, Rahman, said on Tuesday that Bangladesh is considering purchasing J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters from China and moving towards formal negotiations. A Bangladeshi government team is currently drafting the agreement.
This proposed purchase would be one of Bangladesh's largest defense procurements in recent years, and would further deepen military ties between Bangladesh and China. China is already the largest supplier of arms to Bangladesh.
The J-10CE has attracted global attention since last May's outbreak of conflict between India and Pakistan. At that time, Pakistan claimed to have used the J-10CE to shoot down an Indian fighter jet, though this claim remains controversial.
Rahman said that Bangladesh has taken note of reports of the Chinese fighter jets performing well in regional conflicts.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Bangladesh is pushing to modernize its air force and is considering purchasing up to 24 J-10CE fighter jets.
Pakistan is currently the only country confirmed to have acquired the export model of this aircraft.
Rahman did not disclose the number of aircraft Bangladesh intends to purchase, the transaction amount, or the delivery schedule, stating that these details would be determined through negotiations. Over the past 20 years, China has supplied Bangladesh with naval vessels, combat aircraft, tanks, and missile systems, becoming Bangladesh's largest source of military equipment.