Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Advancing the Procurement of J-10CE Fighter Jets from China

[Global Times reporter Liang Rui, Global Times special correspondent Tang Lu Yi] The Daily Star of Bangladesh reported on the 26th that Bangladeshi Prime Minister's advisor Rahman revealed at a routine press conference on the 25th that the country is advancing the procurement of J-10CE fighter jets, armed helicopters, and drone systems from China to modernize its air force. Rahman stated on the 25th: "If funding is in place, this procurement is expected to be finalized this year; if funding is insufficient, it will be postponed until next year."

Rahman introduced that the committee responsible for defense procurement is currently moving towards formal negotiations and has drafted an agreement. This draft has been submitted to the relevant ministries for formal review and administrative approval.

Regarding the reasons for the procurement, Rahman stated that the J-10CE performed well in previous regional conflicts, "Bangladesh has taken note of this." He also mentioned that under comparable performance conditions, the price of Chinese fighter jets offers better value for money compared to European fighter jets.

The Daily Star disclosed that previous government documents indicated that Bangladesh intends to purchase 20 J-10 fighter jets. Reuters stated that this planned procurement will become one of the largest defense procurements in Bangladesh in recent years and will further deepen the country's military relationship with China.

Military expert Zhang Junsha, in an interview with Global Times reporters on the 26th, stated that the J-10CE attracts Bangladesh mainly due to multiple advantages: first is the high cost-performance ratio, as the unit procurement price of the J-10CE is significantly lower than that of Western aircraft at the same level, such as the French "Rafale" and the American F-16, greatly reducing procurement costs and financial thresholds; second is system compatibility, as Bangladesh has long been equipped with Chinese equipment, forming a logistics support, training, and command system that adapts to Chinese standard equipment, allowing the J-10CE to perfectly integrate into China's entire air defense early warning command system, achieving a closed-loop in operations and reducing the risks associated with system transition after replacement; third is tactical alignment, as Bangladesh can rely on the excellent beyond-visual-range strike capability of the J-10CE to form effective deterrence, thereby enhancing its strategic voice.

Zhang Junsha told reporters that Chinese fighter jets have recently frequently appeared in international military exercises and airshows, attracting attention from many countries and regions, indicating that the systematic operational capabilities of the Chinese Air Force have gained wide international recognition. Zhang Junsha said that Chinese fighter jets not only have superior individual performance but also serve as a core attraction through systematic coordination in early warning, electronic warfare, aerial refueling, and long-range delivery. For example, the Chinese Air Force's intercontinental participation in the China-Egypt "Civilization Eagle-2026" joint air training demonstrates the maturity of China's modern aerial combat system to the world with its complete long-range operational and system operational capabilities.