Dhaka says purchase depends on budget support as it seeks to strengthen and modernise its air force…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Bangladesh is considering the acquisition of China’s J-10CE fighter jets as part of a broader effort to modernise and strengthen the Bangladesh Air Force, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference at the Secretariat, Rahman said the proposed purchase would depend on the availability of budgetary support during the current fiscal year.
“If budget support is available this fiscal year, the purchase will go ahead. Otherwise, it will be deferred to the next budget,” he said.
Rahman said Dhaka had been closely monitoring the performance of Chinese fighter aircraft and referred to the India-Pakistan conflict as one of the factors behind Bangladesh’s interest in the J-10CE.
He said Bangladesh had taken note of reports concerning the performance of Chinese J-10 aircraft during the conflict, particularly in relation to India’s French-made Rafale fighter jets.
The proposed acquisition forms part of a wider plan to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force. Dhaka is also considering procuring fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.
Rahman also pointed to the comparatively lower cost of Chinese fighter aircraft as a factor in Bangladesh’s procurement considerations.
Plans for acquiring J-10CE jets had previously emerged as part of Dhaka’s efforts to upgrade its combat capabilities. Media reports in June said Bangladesh was considering purchasing 24 J-10CE multi-role fighter jets from China, with the proposal expected to feature in discussions during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned visit to China.
A senior government official had earlier said Bangladesh hoped to conclude an agreement for the aircraft by August, subject to the progress of negotiations. The official estimated the cost at around $40 million per aircraft.
The J-10CE is China’s export version of the J-10C multi-role fighter and is designed to perform a range of combat missions.
