Pakistan inducts new batch of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets
Asia-Pacific, News January 6, 2024 1 Comment on Pakistan inducts new batch of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jetsPakistan Air Force has inducted a new batch of Chinese-made J-10C aircraft in its fleet of fighter jets to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. The induction of the new fighter was also accompanied by a batch of Turkish-made combat drones.
According to the Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the induction ceremony took place at a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base. The ceremony was attended by the country’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir along with Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The ceremony showcased the newly inducted weapon systems and defense assets of the Pakistan Air Force.
During the ceremony, PAF officials took charge of the second batch of the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets. After the induction of the second batch, the Pakistan Air Force now has a total of 12 J-10C fighter jets at its disposal.
The J-10C, a light multirole fighter with a single engine that can operate in diverse weather conditions, is globally acknowledged as one of the most formidable single-engine fighter aircraft. With Islamabad’s archrival, India currently undergoing a modernization process, Pakistan’s military feels compelled to strengthen its defense capabilities to face regional challenges.
PAF also announced the induction of a new set of combat drones during the ceremony. These latest drones are products of either China, a key ally, or Turkey, a close partner, as well as a domestic company. Pakistan’s fleet of combat drones consists of Baykars Akinci, GIDS Shahpar-II, Wing Loong II, and Bayraktar TB2 drones which represent advanced technology not previously utilized by the South Asian nation’s military.
While speaking at the induction ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also indicated that Pakistan Air Force is considering buying the Chinese-made FC-31 also known as the J-31 5th-generation fighter jet.
Pakistan has previously shown interest in acquiring the Turkish equivalent, Kaan, fifth-generation fighter jet. It is yet to be confirmed by the Pakistani military sources whether it is opting for the Chinese or Turkish-made fifth-generation fighter jets.
Regional rivalry
With India acquiring modern Rafael jets, it became inevitable for Pakistan to upgrade its fleet of fighter jets with Chinese-made counterparts. Initial negotiations to buy J-10C fighter jets from China began way back in 2006, however, it was not until December 2020 that Pakistan announced the purchase of 25 J-10C aircraft. China managed to deliver the batch of the first 6 jets in a record time of 8 months in March 2023 after the initial contract was finalized.
The J-10C is considered the Chinese equivalent of the U.S. F-16 fighter jet. It has a fully integrated weapons system, avionics, and EW suite, as well as high-end Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, net-centric, and sensor fusion capabilities that enable it to detect, engage, and destroy targets at long range both in the air to air and air to surface domains.
The J-10C aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 with a range of 2,950 km. J-10C also holds the capability to carry precision-guided munitions and PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
Following are some basic specifications of the J-10C fighter jet:
- Length: 16.9 m
- Wingspan: 9.8 m
- Height: 5.7 m
- Wing area: 37 m2
- Empty weight: 9,750 kg
- Gross weight: 14,000 kg
- Max takeoff weight: 19,277 kg
- Fuel capacity: 4,950 L
Aircraft Asia Asia-Pacific China Defense Drone Fighter Jet J-10C Military Pakistan South Asia Turkey Turkiye UAV
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