Latest news with #J-10C
The Hill
08-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Iran shouldn't count on China to boost its air force
The 12-day Israeli air campaign in June was a test of technological dominance. It was a quick and massive victory for Israel and for the U.S. The war severely crippled Iran's military, exposing critical weaknesses in its air defenses and aging air force. Iran's fleet of Cold War-era jets was no match for Israeli stealth fighters, allowing Israel to quickly achieve air superiority. This dominance enabled Jerusalem to decimate Iran's military leadership and destroy key nuclear and military sites. In response to these vulnerabilities, Tehran is now planning to acquire Chinese J-10C fighter jets to modernize its air force and reassert control over its airspace. The Iran-Israel war also tested the limits of Iran's alliance with Russia, which offered little more than diplomatic support to Tehran during the conflict. Despite a recently signed strategic partnership agreement and years of close cooperation, Russia's support for Iran during this crisis has proven largely rhetorical. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the U.S. attacks, describing them as ' unjustified.' Putin called for dialogue without offering any military aid, claiming that Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country, much to the dismay of Iran. Russia's failure to deliver on a 2023 agreement for Su-35 jets and its wavering commitment to help Iran during the Iran-Israel war have led Iran to openly question Russia's reliability as an ally. Consequently, Tehran is now turning to China for advanced military hardware that Russia failed to provide. Iran's weapons procurement talks with Beijing, therefore, mark a subtle but profound shift away from Moscow's aerospace orbit, signaling a significant shift in Iran's strategic partnerships and potentially impacting the fragile strategic balance in the region. Iran is in high-level discussions with China to acquire up to 40 Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets, along with advanced air defense systems. The J-10C — sometimes called the 'Rafale Killer' after its successful engagement against French-made Indian Rafale jets in a 2025 India-Pakistan conflict — could significantly alter the regional balance of power in Iran's favor to the detriment of Israel and Arab Gulf states. This acquisition would be a major step in modernizing Iran's air force, bridging the technological gap with its rivals, and potentially deterring future Israeli strikes. Such a deal would also solidify China's growing influence as a defense supplier in the Middle East and deepen its strategic partnership with Iran. Acquiring the J-10C jets could trigger a regional arms race, with other countries seeking to modernize their air forces to counter Iran's new capabilities. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Arab Gulf neighbors are concerned about the potential transfer of Chinese jets to Iran, but Israel is worried the most. Israel is closely watching these developments and is concerned that Iran's acquisition of these advanced jets could deter future Israeli strikes and bolster Iran's ability to defend its airspace. Israel seeks to halt the fighter jet deal between China and Iran. A successful deal would also cement China's position as a major arms provider to Iran, further strengthening their strategic partnership. Iran views the Chinese J-10C jets as a key to modernizing its almost nonexistent air force and countering Israel's air superiority. If Iran succeeds in striking a deal, this will mark a clear strategic pivot toward China for military hardware. Currently, China appears to be the only nation willing to supply Iran with advanced weaponry. However, Beijing is proceeding cautiously due to several factors. Past attempts by Iran to acquire J-10Cs in 2015 were thwarted by a United Nations arms embargo and China's demand for cash payments over Iran's proposed oil-and-gas barter. In addition, China's reluctance to fully commit to large-scale arms exports to Iran is rooted in its desire to avoid Western backlash and its complex relations with Iran's regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These Gulf states are crucial energy suppliers and trading partners for China. Furthermore, China prioritizes stabilizing its relationship with Washington to focus on its own technological and economic self-sufficiency, which is a more critical goal than the potential profits from selling advanced weapons to Iran. Despite this hesitancy regarding advanced weapons sales, China is and will remain a vital ally for Iran through continued oil purchases in violation of international sanctions. More than 90 percent of Iran's oil exports go to China, providing a crucial financial lifeline to the sanctions-stricken nation. The arms deal is far from certain. For China, maintaining access to the Gulf's energy resources and ensuring regional stability outweigh the benefits of supplying Iran with advanced weaponry. If unable to acquire Chinese fighter jets, Iran would be susceptible to recurring Israeli air strikes, hindering its ability to enhance its ballistic, drone, and nuclear capabilities. The stakes are high for inaction. Washington possesses several leverages against Beijing. The U.S. is a major export market for China and contributes significantly to its GDP growth. America must use this leverage to prevent China's potential weapons sale to Iran.
India.com
28-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Israel in tension as this Middle East country gets ultra-modern fighter jets and missiles from global superpower, the countries are...
New Delhi: After Israel's fierce air strike, speculations started that Iran can now buy fighter jets from China. Meanwhile, a video is going viral on Chinese social media in which it is said that Iran has got 40 J-10C fighter jets from China. What does the Chinese video show? User Qin Lintao, who claimed to be from War Research Society, said that Iran has received the first batch of J-10C fighter jets from China. In this video, it has been claimed that the Chinese J-10C aircraft is equipped with PL-15 air to air missile, stealth technology, powerful radar and combat capabilities. This is the same J-10 aircraft that was used by the Pakistani Air Force against India's Rafale fighter jet. Why is Israel so much worried with this deal? Earlier, Israel had appealed to China to use its influence to stop Iran from increasing its military and nuclear power. Some time ago, Israel's Consul General in Shanghai Ravit Baier had said, 'China is the only country that has the ability to influence Iran. Iran can be ruined if China stops buying oil from it.' He said that China can put pressure on Iran. They have political power over Iran. Let us tell you that China buys 90 percent of Iran's oil. There is an agreement between the two for 25 years. In return, China will give Iran ultra-modern technology and weapons. What is the understanding between China and Iran? Even after this request of Israel, it is believed that China has given 4.5 generation J-10C fighter jet to Iran. Earlier, Iran was buying Sukhoi-35 fighter jet from Russia but this deal has been put on hold. Russia had offered Sukhoi-35 to Iran and asked for Iranian drones and missiles in return. Iran's Shahed-136 drones have become synonymous with the Ukraine war. The Russian army has wreaked havoc on Ukraine by attacking it with thousands of Iranian drones. It is believed that Iran has bought J-10C from China after the delay in getting Sukhoi-35 from Russia. However, Iran or China has not yet officially confirmed this. How is this deal beneficial for China? This move of China is now believed to provoke Israel, which is constantly threatening to attack Iran again. Earlier, Pakistan had claimed that it had attacked India's Rafale jet with the help of J-10 fighter jet and PL 15 missile. After this claim of Pakistan, China has now started selling it to the countries of the Middle East and Africa. China wants to capture the arms market by selling J-10C to anti-American countries. After this move of Iran, others in the Middle East may also move towards buying fighter jets from China.
Memri
28-07-2025
- Memri
Chinese Social Media Video About Iran Receiving J-10C Fighter Jets from China
On July 14, 2025, the 'Qin Lintao War Research Society' account on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohungshu posted a video report about Iran receiving its first batch of 40 Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, equipped with PL-15 missiles. The video provided an overview of the J-10C's radar, stealth, and combat capabilities, concluding: 'Can these 'aerial snipers' truly allow Iran's air force to defy fate and change its destiny?'
Arab News
25-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan army chief, Chinese leaders discuss defense modernization to confront transnational threats
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has held a series of meetings with top Chinese political and military leaders and discussed with them defense modernization to combat transnational threats, the Pakistani military said on Friday. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in South Asia after a four-day military standoff between Pakistan and India that saw the two neighbors attack each other with fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery in their worst fighting in more than two decades. Pakistan declared a victory in the standoff, saying its air force used Chinese J-10C aircraft to shoot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French Rafales, and the army targeted several Indian military installations during the recent flare-up. Meanwhile, India plans to launch a $234 million incentive program for civil and military drone makers to reduce their reliance on imported components and counter rival Pakistan's program built on support from China and Turkiye, Reuters reported this month. 'These engagements featured comprehensive exchanges on defense and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training, defense modernization, and enhanced institutional linkages,' the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing said, after Field Marshal Munir's meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top military commanders. 'Emphasis was placed on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to confront hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defense partnership and acknowledged Pakistan's pivotal role in promoting regional peace.' The India-Pakistan conflict, triggered by an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, offered the world a first real glimpse into how advanced Chinese military technology performs against proven Western hardware, with Chinese defense stocks surging as a result. A rising military superpower, China hasn't fought a major war in more than four decades but has raced under President Xi Jinping to modernize its armed forces, pouring resources into developing sophisticated weaponry and cutting-edge technologies. It has also extended that modernization drive to Pakistan, long hailed by Beijing as its 'ironclad brother.' Over the past five years, China has supplied 81 percent of Pakistan's imported weapons, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Those exports include advanced fighter jets, missiles, radars and air-defense systems. Some Pakistan-made weapons have also been co-developed with Chinese firms or built with Chinese technology and expertise. Beijing is also investing over $60 billion to build infrastructure, energy and other projects in Pakistan as part of its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. India and China, on the other hand, are competing regional giants and nuclear powers and widely seen as long-term strategic rivals, sharing a 3,800 Himalayan border that has been disputed since the 1950s and sparked a brief war in 1962. Field Marshal Munir's official visit reaffirms the 'ironclad strategic partnership' between Pakistan and China, the Pakistani military said. 'Discussions focused on the evolving regional and global political landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges,' the ISPR said. 'Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. The Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia.' On the military side, Field Marshal Munir held meetings with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army and Lt. Gen. Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of PLA Army. Upon arrival at the PLA Army Headquarters, he was presented with a guard of honor, symbolizing the longstanding camaraderie between the two armed forces. During the meetings, Field Marshal Munir appreciated China's consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains. 'The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two brotherly nations and underscores their shared resolve to advance regional security through sustained high-level dialogue and engagements,' the ISPR added.
Memri
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Taiwanese News Panel on Iran Purchasing Chinese Weapons: Iran Wants to Reorganize and Build a Next-Generation, Fully Chinese-Made Air Force
On July 3, 2025, GlobalNewsTW (Taiwan) posted on its YouTube channel a news panel in which one of the pundits discussed Iran purchasing Chinese weapons. He said that Iran's purchases, which include the KJ-500 radar system, along with its desire to purchase 400 J-10C aircraft, indicate that it wants to reorganize and build a next-generation, fully Chinese-made air force, rather than to prepare for any current conflict.
