The ongoing Airshow China 2024 has attracted global attention, with military leaders, aviation enthusiasts, and defense experts gathering to witness the latest advancements in aerospace technology. Among the notable attendees is Iranian Air Force Commander Hamid Vahedi, whose presence has sparked significant interest amid ongoing speculation about Iran’s efforts to modernize its aging air force.
Vahedi closely inspected the Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jet at the airshow, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter known for its advanced avionics and capabilities. This aircraft has already been selected by Pakistan and, more recently, Egypt for their respective air forces. Vahedi also held discussions with his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu, on strengthening military cooperation between Iran and China.
The J-10C fighter jet, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has gained international recognition as a cost-effective yet highly capable aircraft. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) reportedly operates approximately 150 units of the J-10C, showcasing its operational maturity and reliability.
Equipped with advanced features such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, the J-10C offers enhanced situational awareness and long-range engagement capabilities. These attributes make it an attractive option for countries seeking to bolster their air forces without incurring the costs associated with Western fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-35.
Another notable aspect of the J-10C is its propulsion system. Recent models are powered by the Chinese-made WS-10C engine, replacing the earlier Russian Saturn AL-31F engine, thus increasing the aircraft’s operational autonomy and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Iran’s air force is considered one of the weakest components of its military, especially when compared to its robust missile and drone programs. Tehran still relies heavily on outdated U.S.-made fighter jets, such as the F-14 Tomcat, F-5 Tiger II, and F-4 Phantom II, all acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Over the years, these aircraft have been maintained and modified indigenously, but their capabilities pale in comparison to modern fighters fielded by neighboring countries.
In recent years, Iran has expressed interest in upgrading its air force. Reports suggest Tehran has explored acquiring up to 36 J-10Cs from China, but negotiations have been hampered by financial disagreements. Iran proposed paying for the jets with oil, leveraging its vast petroleum resources, while China insisted on a full cash payment, leading to a stalemate.
While Iran’s interest in the J-10C remains under discussion, it is also pursuing another potential solution: the acquisition of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets. Reports indicate that Iran is expecting up to 24 Su-35s originally intended for Egypt. Cairo canceled the order under pressure from the United States, leaving the aircraft available for Tehran.
Despite these expectations, the Su-35s have yet to arrive in Iran, raising questions about the deal’s viability. Analysts suggest logistical challenges, geopolitical concerns, and U.S.-led sanctions could be impeding the transfer. If the Su-35 deal falls through, Tehran may turn its full attention to the J-10C as a viable alternative.
Iran’s interest in the J-10C follows a precedent set by Pakistan, which has integrated the jet into its air force as part of its strategic efforts to counterbalance India’s military modernization. In 2022, Pakistan procured 25 J-10C jets, marking a significant upgrade in its air capabilities.
The acquisition was framed as a direct response to India’s purchase of 36 French-made Rafale fighters, which are considered among the most advanced jets in the region. Pakistan’s J-10Cs, equipped with AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, provide it with a potent platform to challenge India’s air dominance.
Pakistani officials have lauded the J-10C’s performance, highlighting its ability to undertake a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The aircraft’s relatively low cost and modern capabilities make it an attractive option for nations seeking to bridge the gap between affordability and performance.
Egypt, another major military power in the region, has also opted for the J-10C to modernize its fleet. Currently operating around 200 U.S.-made F-16s, Egypt decided in 2023 to procure the Chinese fighters, signaling a shift in its defense procurement strategy.
The decision comes amid strained relations with Washington, partly due to concerns over human rights and Egypt’s ties with Russia and China. While the U.S. offered an F-16 upgrade package, Cairo’s move to acquire the J-10C suggests a preference for diversifying its defense partnerships and reducing dependence on Western suppliers.
For Egypt, the J-10C represents an opportunity to replace its aging F-16s with a platform that offers advanced avionics and weaponry. The aircraft’s compatibility with Chinese weapon systems and its proven track record with the PLAAF further influenced Cairo’s decision.
Iran’s potential acquisition of the J-10C carries significant strategic implications. First, it would mark a notable shift in Tehran’s defense procurement strategy, aligning it more closely with Beijing. Such a move could deepen the Sino-Iranian partnership, which has already expanded through agreements on trade, energy, and infrastructure.
Second, the introduction of modern fighter jets like the J-10C could enhance Iran’s air force capabilities, providing it with a platform to conduct defensive and offensive operations more effectively. This would be particularly crucial in a region marked by heightened tensions and frequent military escalations.
However, challenges remain. Iran’s strained economy, largely due to U.S. sanctions, limits its ability to finance major defense procurements. Additionally, Tehran’s reliance on barter trade for arms deals, as seen in its oil-for-jets proposal, complicates negotiations with countries like China that prefer monetary transactions.
Iran’s interest in the J-10C must also be viewed within the broader context of shifting alliances and power dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia. The increasing adoption of Chinese military technology by countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and potentially Iran underscores Beijing’s growing influence in global arms markets.
For the United States, these developments signal a challenge to its longstanding dominance in the defense sector. Washington’s efforts to counter Chinese and Russian influence, such as through sanctions and diplomatic pressure, have not deterred countries like Egypt and Pakistan from diversifying their military suppliers.
In the case of Iran, its pursuit of both Russian and Chinese fighters reflects its strategy to circumvent Western isolation and build self-reliance in defense. While acquiring advanced jets like the J-10C or Su-35 would not immediately transform Iran’s air force into a regional powerhouse.
