Reports: Iran Exploring Purchase of Advanced Chinese Fighter Jets
Posts on social media claim that the Iranian Defense Minister visited China to discuss the purchase of J-10C fighter jets and an early warning aircraft, as part of efforts to renew the country’s aging air force
Media outlets and social networks in the Middle East have recently reported that the Iranian Defense Minister visited China and held a round of high-level talks. According to the reports, the purpose of the visit was to explore the possibility of purchasing Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, as well as an airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft. This move appears to be aimed at renewing the Iranian Air Force's aging fleet, which currently consists of outdated American-made aircraft.
According to World Defense News and Army Recognition, the J-10C is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter jet. It is equipped with an AESA radar and long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles. The aircraft is considered multi-role, capable of achieving air superiority, conducting ground attacks, and performing electronic warfare missions. The Chinese jet has proven its capabilities in the Pakistani Air Force, which claims it has demonstrated advantages over the French Rafale jets operated by the Indian Air Force.
Experts in the field note that while the acquisition of the Chinese jet poses a challenge to the Israeli Air Force, it does not surpass it in any respect. The Israeli “Adir” jet (F-35I), for example, holds clear advantages over the Chinese aircraft. However, the radar and air-to-air missiles on the Chinese fighter could present a threat to non-stealth Israeli fighter jets such as the F-15I and F-16I.
Iran’s inclination to purchase Chinese fighter jets stems in part from the unavailability of Russian SU-35 jets. Tehran is therefore compelled to seek modern alternatives for its air force, which currently relies on outdated American F-14s and Phantoms. For years, the Iranians neglected their fighter jet fleet due to international sanctions, opting instead to develop a wide range of missile capabilities. It is possible that one of the lessons Iran has drawn from the current regional conflict is the need to renew efforts to modernize its air force.
The acquisition of aircraft like the Chinese J-10C could mark a significant step in improving the operational capabilities of the Iranian Air Force and moving it closer to fifth-generation fighter capabilities. At the same time, Iran has expressed interest in acquiring Chinese-made early warning aircraft, electronics, and command-and-control systems.