Bangladesh Eyes 24 Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets in Defence Push

Bangladesh is expected to move forward with plans to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE multi-role fighter jets during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China, according to a media report.

The proposed deal is among a series of agreements expected to be discussed as Dhaka and Beijing seek to deepen cooperation in defence, infrastructure, trade and investment.

According to Daily Waadaa, cited by news agency ANI, Bangladesh hopes to finalise the fighter jet purchase agreement by August.

“We hope to sign the fighter jet purchase agreement by August this year,” a senior government official told the publication on condition of anonymity.

The report said each J-10CE aircraft is valued at around $40 million.

A Chinese delegation visited Dhaka last week to speed up negotiations, while Bangladeshi officials are expected to hold separate meetings with China's foreign and defence ministers during the visit to finalise key aspects of the proposed acquisition.

Defence cooperation on broader agenda

The fighter jet discussions are part of a wider effort to strengthen Bangladesh-China ties.

Bangladesh foreign secretary said on Sunday that the two countries are expected to sign 17 documents during the visit, including 15 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one protocol and one action plan.

“China is a very close friend, strategic partner, and a crucial commercial and development ally for Bangladesh. Currently, the relationship between our two countries has elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, which continues to expand and strengthen on the foundations of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation,” the foreign secretary said.

He also indicated that military cooperation between the two countries would feature prominently in the discussions.

Teesta project, Xi initiatives also on table

The Bangladeshi foreign secretary said the Teesta project would be discussed during the visit, though he did not provide further details.

He added that Bangladesh would also discuss and welcome the four major initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Besides defence and development cooperation, the visit is expected to focus on trade, investment and broader bilateral relations.

Rahman to attend Summer Davos

Rahman is visiting China at the invitation of the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to participate in the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as "Summer Davos", in Dalian.

The summit brings together heads of government, policymakers, business leaders, innovators and technology experts to discuss the global economy, innovation and sustainable development.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a plenary session titled “Climate Leadership in a Changing Global Landscape”.

He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from several participating countries, including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Vietnam and South Korea, while discussions with Chinese leaders are also being arranged.