Bangladesh confirms Chinese J-10CE jet deal, citing Rafale kill in India-Pakistan clash

Dhaka’s decision to buy the fighters shows that views on Chinese weapons are shifting and the market is opening, military expert says

One military expert said it was a sign that the global perception of Chinese weapons was shifting and the market would gradually open.

The draft proposal also includes the purchase of Chinese attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, according to the PID, the government’s official news distribution wing.

“Subject to necessary budgetary allocation in the current fiscal year, this procurement will be executed immediately; otherwise, it will roll over into the next budget cycle,” it said. Bangladesh’s current budget year runs from July of this year to June of next year.

Rahman told reporters that Bangladesh had “paid attention” to the conflict between Pakistan and India in May of last year, when Pakistan reportedly used J-10CE fighters equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles to shoot down Indian Rafale fighters.