Meng's "Business Standard" reported on October 7 that Meng plans to spend $2.20 billion (2.2 billion USD) to purchase 20 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets to enhance national air defense capabilities, but is still assessing the potential geopolitical risks of this move. Currently, the Meng Air Force has a total of 212 aircraft of various types, including 44 fighter jets, among which 36 are Chinese-made F-7 aircraft. Meng plans to introduce 20 J-10CE fighter jets (the export version of the J-10C fighter jet) by 2027, with an estimated total cost of $2.20 billion (2.2 billion USD). This type of fighter jet performed well in the aerial combat during the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, having shot down several Indian-made Rafale fighter jets. In March, Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government of Meng, discussed the procurement of fighter jets with Chinese officials during his visit to China and received a positive response. In April, the Meng government established an 11-member inter-departmental negotiation committee led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, responsible for advancing the relevant procurement negotiations. Analysts pointed out that although the Meng Air Force has long been interested in purchasing Chinese fighter jets, it is still in the assessment stage, as it must fully consider the geopolitical impact, especially the strategic risks that may arise from the tense relations between the United States and China.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845460878631948/
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