Iranian Air Force Commander’s Close Inspection of J-10CE at Airshow China 2024 Sparks Speculation

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Iranian Air Force Commander Hamid Vahedi attended the ongoing Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, where he closely observed the Chinese-made J-10CE, a 4.5-generation fighter jet.

In addition to inspecting the fighter, already chosen by the Pakistani Air Force and, more recently, the Egyptian Air Force, Commander Vahedi also met with his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu, to discuss enhanced military cooperation between the two air forces.

Regional military observers report that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates approximately 150 J-10C fighter jets.

Vahedi’s presence at the airshow has fueled speculation about Iran’s interest in acquiring Chinese-made J-10C jets to modernize its aging air force, which still relies on older fighters.

This speculation comes alongside reports that Iran is expected to receive up to 24 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, initially ordered by Egypt but later canceled due to U.S. pressure.

However, no Su-35s have arrived in Iran, raising doubts about whether the procurement will materialize.

Despite possessing advanced ballistic missiles and suicide drone, Iran’s air force continues to rely on aging U.S.-made fighters, such as the F-14, F-5, and F-4, acquired during the Shah’s era.

In recent years, Iran was reportedly prepared to purchase up to 36 J-10Cs from China, though negotiations stalled over payment issues.

Tehran sought to pay for the jets with oil, while China insisted on a full cash payment.

Tehran’s interest in the J-10C follows the path of Pakistan and Egypt, both of whom have chosen the J-10C for their air forces.

In 2022, Pakistan quietly acquired 25 J-10C jets from Chengdu Aircraft Corporation as part of its strategy to counter India’s fleet of Rafale jets.

Pakistani then Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of the 25 J-10Cs aimed to match India’s 36 French-made Rafale fighters.

Pakistan and India are longstanding adversaries, having fought multiple wars, particularly over the Muslim-majority Kashmir region administered by India.

Pakistan reportedly obtained the latest J-10 variant, the “C” version, equipped with advanced technology such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.

Developed with Russian expertise, the PL-15 has an effective range between 200 and 300 km, as claimed by China, positioning it as a direct competitor to the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The J-10C is also powered by the Chinese-made WS-10C engine rather than the Russian Saturn AL-31F engine.

Last September, Egypt decided to procure Chinese J-10Cs to replace its aging U.S.-made F-16 fighters, signaling Cairo’s intent to strengthen ties with China.

Currently, the Egyptian Air Force has around 200 F-16s from Lockheed Martin.

Though the U.S. offered an F-16 upgrade package, Egypt’s decision to purchase the J-10Cs suggests a lack of interest in Washington’s offer. – DSA