Game-Changer in the Skies: Has Egypt Already Deployed China’s J-10CE Fighters Armed with Deadly PL-15 Missiles ??

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –The Egyptian Air Force may have just taken a major leap in air combat capability with the reported arrival of its first batch of J-10CE fighter jets from China—powerful multirole aircraft armed with the cutting-edge PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.

This striking development was brought to light by Chinese aerospace analyst Hurin, who shared compelling images on his social media platform X, capturing two Egyptian J-10CE jets in action.

The J-10CE, an export variant of the formidable J-10C “Vigorous Dragon,” was designed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and originally developed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Its arrival in Egypt signals a significant shift in regional air power dynamics.

The PL-15 is China’s answer to next-generation aerial warfare—a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile engineered to grant Chinese fighter jets a decisive edge in the skies.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), this missile is regarded as one of the deadliest BVR weapons in existence, rivaling the U.S.-made AIM-120D AMRAAM and Europe’s MBDA Meteor.

Boasting blistering speeds of Mach 4 and guided by an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar seeker, the PL-15 is believed to have an operational range exceeding 300 km—placing it among the longest-range air-to-air missiles ever deployed.

This staggering range allows Chinese fighter jets to strike enemy aircraft long before they even come within striking distance, turning the battlefield into a one-sided hunt and granting a decisive tactical edge.

In September last year, reports indicated that Egypt had decided to acquire J-10C fighters from China to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made F-16 fighters currently in service with the Egyptian Air Force.

Although the Egyptian Ministry of Defense has not issued an official statement, both local and international media have confirmed the acquisition.

This move makes Egypt the second country after Pakistan to procure the Chinese 4.5-generation J-10C fighter jets, with Pakistan having already acquired 25 units of the aircraft.

Egypt’s decision to opt for the J-10CE suggests that the Arab nation—despite being a close ally of the United States—is keen to strengthen its defense ties with Beijing.

Currently, the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) operates around 200 earlier-generation F-16 fighters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

The United States had previously offered an upgrade package for Egypt’s F-16 fleet, but Cairo appears to have rejected Washington’s proposal in favor of the Chinese fighter jets.

The J-10CE, which Egypt is reportedly acquiring, was first publicly unveiled in China in July 2017 and entered combat service with the PLAAF in 2018.

According to regional military analysts, China currently operates around 150 J-10C fighters within its air force.

Compared to its predecessors, the J-10C is lighter, stealthier, and powered by a more advanced engine.

Additionally, it is equipped with an AESA radar, significantly improving target detection and tracking capabilities.

Reports of Egypt’s interest in acquiring the J-10C first surfaced in 2023, when senior Egyptian and Chinese defense officials reportedly held discussions in Langkawi, Malaysia, during the LIMA 2023 defense exhibition regarding the potential fighter jet deal.

During LIMA 2023, China’s “August 1st” aerobatic team, which operates the J-10C, also participated in the aerospace and maritime showcase held at the popular island destination.

In July 2024, reports indicated that China formally presented an offer to Egypt for the J-10C acquisition during a visit by Egyptian Air Force Commander General Mahmoud Foaad Abdel Gawaad to Beijing, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu.

The meeting between the Egyptian and Chinese Air Force chiefs took place at the invitation of General Chang Dingqiu, aimed at further enhancing strategic military cooperation between the two nations.

According to an official statement from Egypt’s Armed Forces, General Gawaad’s visit to China demonstrated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military ties with its allies.

Discussions between both sides reportedly covered training programs, technology transfer, and joint defense manufacturing initiatives.

During his visit, General Mahmoud Foaad and his senior military delegation were also hosted at Tangshan Air Base, where they were treated to a live flight demonstration of the J-10C fighter jet.

– DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA