Bangladesh confirms J-10 deal

Bangladesh has confirmed a deal to purchase China's 4.5-generation J-10CE fighter jets, citing the aircraft's reported combat performance against French-made Rafale jets during the brief Pakistan-India conflict in May, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Friday.

The Chengdu J-10C is a single-engine, multirole combat aircraft manufactured in China. Boasting a top speed of Mach 1.8, it can be fitted with a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. It played a key role on the first night of hostilities, shooting down six jets belonging to the Indian Air Force.

The Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Zahedur Rahman said earlier this week that a draft proposal to buy the jets had been submitted to the country's finance ministry and Armed Forces Division for final approval, SCMP reported citing the Bangladeshi Press Information Department (PID).

According to the Bangladesh PID, the draft proposal also includes the purchase of Chinese attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and drones.