Row explained | Why Bangladesh is bullish on China's J-10 fighters, not Dassault Rafale
Rafael vs J10: Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to buy China’s J-10CE fighters, citing lower costs, modern capabilities and reported combat performance. India, however, does not confirm losing Rafales to J-10s, making the claim a key point of debate.
Bangladesh is eyeing the China-made J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters for its Air Force modernization. Prime Minister's adviser Zahed Ur Rahman revealed a draft agreement for the purchase after talks, according to The Daily Star. The J-10CE is seen as an affordable option compared to Western aircraft like the French Dassault Rafale.
However, the claim that a J-10C downed an Indian Rafale during last year's India-Pakistan conflict remains unconfirmed, as both India and Pakistan have not publicly confirmed the loss of Rafale aircraft. Bangladesh finds the J-10CE attractive due to its lower cost and existing experience using Chinese military equipment, which could enhance its defense capabilities.
However, the decision also involves geopolitical considerations, especially with Bangladesh's trade ties to the US. The J-10CE is a medium-weight, 4.5-generation multirole fighter with a combat radius of 1,100 km and a speed of Mach 2.1. In comparison, the Rafale, with a 1,850 km combat radius and twin-engine configuration, offers a longer combat radius and greater payload capacity.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
