China Offers 4.5-Generation Chengdu J-10C Fighter Jets to Brazil

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The search for a second fighter jet for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) may lead the South American nation to the J-10 fighter aircraft produced by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.

According to Brazilian media outlet Veja, the Chinese government has reportedly proposed supplying Brazil with the J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jet.

However, early reports indicate that negotiations between the two countries have not made significant progress for unspecified reasons.

The primary fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force currently is the JAS39 Gripen, developed by Saab of Sweden.

In 2014, Brazil signed a contract with Saab to acquire 36 Gripen fighters, of which eight have been delivered so far.

Saab and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer have also initiated joint production of Gripen fighters in Brazil.

Brazil has now expressed its intention to increase the current Gripen contract by 25 percent.

The J-10 is a medium-sized fighter aircraft that entered service in 2004 and offers capabilities comparable to the Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium of four European nations.

Currently, the only export customer for the J-10C fighter is Pakistan, which acquired 25 units of the 4.5-generation aircraft.

In 2022, Pakistan confirmed its acquisition of 25 J-10C fighters to counter India’s procurement of 36 Rafale fighters.

Interest in the J-10C has grown internationally following Pakistan’s purchase, with Bangladesh reportedly set to become the second South Asian country to procure the Chinese-made fighter.

Local Bangladeshi media reported that the Bangladesh Air Force is interested in acquiring 16 J-10C fighters.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan of Bangladesh stated the country’s need to enhance its air force capabilities.

“We are making every effort to acquire fighter jets and attack helicopters,” he said, as quoted by local media, highlighting the Bangladesh Air Force’s interest in the J-10C.

In addition to Bangladesh, Egypt has reportedly decided to acquire the J-10C to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16s.

The J-10C, which Egypt aims to include in its air force, was first unveiled to the Chinese public in July 2017 and entered combat service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2018.

Azerbaijan has also expressed interest in the J-10C, with its Air Force Commander examining the aircraft closely during the recent China Airshow in Zhuhai.

Regional military observers estimate that the PLAAF operates approximately 150 J-10C fighters.

Compared to earlier variants, the J-10C is lighter, harder to detect, and powered by a more advanced engine.

The variant is also equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for improved target detection capabilities.

International defense analysts note that the J-10 is broadly comparable to the American F-16 but incorporates design elements from Israel’s canceled Lavi aircraft program.

The latest J-10 variant, the “C,” features state-of-the-art systems, including the AESA radar and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles such as the PL-15.

The PL-15 missile, reportedly developed with Russian expertise, boasts an effective range of 200-300 km, according to Chinese claims, and is seen as a primary competitor to the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.

The J-10C is powered by a Chinese-made WS-10C engine, rather than the Russian-developed Saturn AL-31F, to simplify export processes, particularly for customers like Pakistan. — DSA