Beijing’s Grip Tightens: Sudan Joins Pakistan and Egypt in Embracing China’s J-10CE Fighter Jets
Recent media reports indicate that Sudan, a North African nation that identifies itself as part of the Middle East, has decided to procure J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets as well as air defense systems from China.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –After Pakistan and Egypt, yet another nation is poised to align itself with Beijing’s growing military influence — Sudan is reportedly set to acquire the Chinese-made J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
According to recent media reports, Sudan—a North African nation that considers itself part of the Middle East—has made the decisive move to bolster its air force with the acquisition of J-10CE fighter jets and advanced air defense systems from China.
This latest development not only cements China’s position as a dominant arms supplier but also signals a major strategic realignment in regional military capabilities.
In a bold move that could reshape its military strength, Sudan is set to receive its first squadron of Chinese-made J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets as early as March, with a second squadron expected to follow by year’s end, according to Sudanese Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin.
However, the transformation may already be underway—unverified sources claim that Sudan’s Air Force has secretly taken delivery of eight J-10CE jets in an initial shipment, signaling that the country’s aerial firepower is rapidly expanding.
Developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the J-10CE has long been on Sudan’s radar, with reports of its interest in the advanced 4.5-generation fighter jet first surfacing in 2022. Now, as these warplanes begin to arrive, Sudan’s military ambitions—and its strategic ties with Beijing—are taking flight like never before.
J-10C
Apart from the J-10CE, Sudan is also reportedly interested in procuring Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.
Speculation regarding Sudan’s potential acquisition of the Su-35 has intensified following reports that Khartoum has granted Russia permission to station its warships and naval assets in Sudan.
During a recent visit to Russia, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef confirmed that Sudan and Russia had reached an agreement regarding the establishment of a Russian military base in Sudan.
For several years, Russia has expressed its intention to establish a military base at Sudan’s Port Sudan.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force began receiving Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in 2022.
Initially, Pakistan acquired six J-10Cs, which performed a flypast during the country’s National Day parade that year.
J-10CE (credit Hurin92)
Although the exact number of J-10C fighters acquired by Pakistan has not been officially disclosed, reports indicate that Islamabad has ordered at least 25 units, with the total expected to increase to at least 36 aircraft.
Pakistan’s J-10C fighter jets are stationed at Minhas Air Base and operate under No. 15 Squadron, known as the “Cobras.”
Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that the Egyptian Air Force has likely received its first batch of Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, equipped with PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.
The claim was made by Chinese aerospace observer Hurin, who posted images on social media platform X showing two Egyptian J-10CE fighter jets in operation.
Egypt is reportedly set to acquire up to 40 J-10CE fighter jets from China.
The PL-15 missile is a Chinese-developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapon system designed to provide a strategic edge to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
Pakistan’s J-10C
Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the PL-15 is currently regarded as one of the most formidable BVR missiles globally, comparable to the AIM-120D AMRAAM (U.S.) and METEOR(Europe).
With a Mach 4 speed, an AESA radar seeker, and an operational range exceeding 300 km, the PL-15 is among the longest-range air-to-air missiles in the world.
In September last year, Egypt reportedly decided to acquire Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16s currently in service with the Egyptian Air Force.
Although the Egyptian Ministry of Defense has yet to issue an official statement, both local and international media have confirmed the deal.
With this decision, Egypt becomes the second country after Pakistan to acquire 25 units of the 4.5-generation J-10C fighter jets from China.
J-10CE (credit Hurin92)
Regional military analysts estimate that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) currently operates approximately 150 J-10C fighter jets.
Compared to earlier variants, the J-10C is lighter, more difficult to detect, and powered by a more advanced engine.
Additionally, the J-10C variant is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, significantly enhancing its target detection capabilities.
Even Sudan a war torn impoverished country is fast moving in acquiring fighter aircrafts to bolster its air force but India huge country with massive land to defend but is taking many years to make decision to acquire its MRFA which is a must in the top list as replacement aircrafts for obsolete and nearing phase out aircrafts. India has a history of taking long years to make or on most occasions retreat from procurement process only to be buying small numbers from the projected 100 plus aircrafts.
Even Sudan a war torn impoverished country is fast moving in acquiring fighter aircrafts to bolster its air force but India huge country with massive land to defend but is taking many years to make decision to acquire its MRFA which is a must in the top list as replacement aircrafts for obsolete and nearing phase out aircrafts. India has a history of taking long years to make or on most occasions retreat from procurement process only to be buying small numbers from the projected 100 plus aircrafts.