Bangladesh is moving forward with plans to procure Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets as part of an overarching effort to modernize its air force, a top government official revealed Tuesday.
Zahed Ur Rahman, information and broadcasting adviser to the prime minister, disclosed the planned procurement during a routine press briefing, detailing the government’s latest defense initiatives, reported leading Bangladeshi daily, Prothom Alo.
In addition to the fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the Bangladesh Air Force is seeking to procure attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
Rahman noted that the acquisitions will be executed within the current fiscal year if funds are allocated in the budget; otherwise, the purchases will be moved to the next budget cycle.
A committee assigned to the defense acquisition has prepared a draft agreement following preliminary negotiation meetings for the J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters. The draft has been forwarded to the Armed Forces Division and relevant ministries for formal review and administrative approval.
