China Showcases J-10C Fighter Jet Capabilities After Reported Use by Pakistan

Following reports of Pakistan’s successful deployment of the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet, Chinese state television has broadcasted a documentary emphasizing the aircraft’s origins and accomplishments.

The documentary claims that during recent tensions involving Pakistan and India, the J-10C played a pivotal role in downing Indian fighter jets.

The broadcast by CCTV, a Chinese state-run media outlet, coincides with reported engagements where the Pakistan Air Force utilized J-10C aircraft in aerial combat on May 7. These engagements allegedly resulted in the destruction of multiple Indian aircraft.

A Chinese military report stated that the J-10CE, the export version of the J-10C, achieved its “first combat success” by recently shooting down foreign aircraft in actual combat.

Reportedly, on May 7, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed lawmakers about the downing of multiple Indian fighter jets by J-10C aircraft. A French official purportedly acknowledged the loss of an Indian-operated Rafale in the encounter, though New Delhi has not officially confirmed these reports.

The CCTV military program directly referenced the Kashmir engagement, stating that the J-10CE successfully shot down several foreign jets without sustaining any losses.

Development and Technological Advancement

According to the Chinese documentary, the J-10 project commenced in the 1980s as China recognized a technological gap between its aircraft and those of the United States and the Soviet Union.

In 1982, Song Wencong, the chief designer at the 611 Institute (now Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group), created the design for a new fighter jet. The documentary highlights the immense technical hurdles overcome by Chinese aviation experts, who achieved advancements without relying on pre-existing designs.

The initial J-10 prototype was finalized in 1997, hailed by Chinese experts as a remarkable achievement in air defense history.

J-10C Features and Export

The J-10C is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft boasting advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a low radar cross-section, sophisticated avionics, and long-range PL-15 missiles. It entered service with China’s air force in 2003, with the most advanced variant being exported to Pakistan.

The Global Times quoted military affairs expert Zhang Xuefeng, who noted that “through the development of the J-10, China has mastered advanced aerodynamic configuration technologies, achieved breakthroughs in-flight control systems and propelled the development of advanced turbofan engines”.

Currently, the J-10C aircraft is being showcased at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, where its technology and capabilities are receiving international recognition.

China is presently Pakistan’s primary arms supplier, responsible for 81% of Pakistan’s defense imports between 2020 and 2024. Pakistan’s acquisitions from China include the J-10C, PL-15 missile, and JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft.