The Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai has become a showcase for some of the most advanced military aircraft in the world. While much attention has been directed toward the fifth-generation Chinese J-35A stealth fighter and Russia’s Su-57E export variant, another contender has been turning heads: the J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon.” This 4.5-generation fighter, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), is being aggressively marketed by China in emerging defense markets, signaling its ambitions to challenge Western and Russian dominance in global arms sales.

Following its successful induction into Pakistan’s fleet and a recent high-profile demonstration to Iran, the J-10CE is now drawing interest from Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, personally inspected the fighter during the airshow, sparking speculation that the oil-rich nation could soon join the growing list of countries acquiring Chinese military technology.

Azerbaijan’s Renewed Focus on Air Power

Lt. Gen. Namig Islamzade’s presence at Airshow China 2024 underscores Azerbaijan’s strategic intent to modernize its air force amid ongoing regional tensions. According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence, Islamzade met with China’s Air Force Commander, General Chang Dingqiu, to discuss defense and technical cooperation.

“The meeting between the Air Force Commanders of Azerbaijan and China covered defense and technical cooperation between the two countries. Lt. Gen. Namig Islamzade expressed gratitude to Gen. Dingqiu for the invitation to Airshow China 2024,” read an official statement from the Ministry.

Photos of Islamzade inspecting the J-10CE at the event have since circulated widely on social media, adding fuel to rumors that Azerbaijan is considering purchasing the Chinese-made fighter. Such a move would mark a significant step in Baku’s quest to bolster its aerial capabilities in light of enduring tensions with neighboring Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Pakistan’s Experience with J-10CE: A Model for Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is likely taking a close look at Pakistan’s acquisition of the J-10CE. In 2022, Pakistan discreetly acquired 25 J-10C fighters to counterbalance India’s purchase of Dassault Rafale jets. Pakistan has reportedly been impressed by the fighter’s advanced features, including its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, and domestically produced WS-10C engines.

The WS-10C engine eliminates dependency on Russia’s Saturn AL-31F engines, a critical advantage for export markets. Pakistan’s successful integration of the J-10CE could serve as a roadmap for Azerbaijan, which has been seeking cost-effective yet technologically advanced solutions to modernize its air force.

J-10CE

The J-10CE, a modernized export variant of the J-10C, boasts an array of cutting-edge systems that make it a formidable competitor in the 4.5-generation fighter category:

• AESA Radar: Offers superior detection and tracking capabilities, making it comparable to Western radar systems.
• PL-15 Missiles: The BVR air-to-air missile has a range of 200-300 kilometers, outmatching many Western counterparts, including the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM.
• WS-10C Engines: Fully Chinese-developed engines ensure reliability and independence from foreign suppliers, enhancing the aircraft’s export appeal.

These features position the J-10CE as a cost-effective alternative to Western fighters like the F-16 and French Rafale, as well as Russian aircraft like the Su-35.

The J-10CE’s appeal is not confined to Pakistan or Azerbaijan. Iran, which showcased significant interest in the fighter during Airshow China 2024, is also seen as a potential buyer. Iranian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi recently praised the aircraft during his visit to the airshow, fueling speculation about Tehran’s procurement plans.

Another country reportedly exploring the J-10CE is Egypt, which has historically been reliant on U.S. military hardware. If Cairo opts for the Chinese fighter, it would signal a broader shift in defense alignments as nations diversify away from American and European suppliers.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Strategy: J-10CE vs. JF-17 Block 3

Azerbaijan is already investing heavily in the JF-17 Block 3, a joint project by China and Pakistan. Reports earlier this year confirmed that Azerbaijan had allocated $1.6 billion for a fleet of JF-17 Block 3 jets, the latest and most advanced variant of the platform. These fighters are intended to replace Azerbaijan’s aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s.

While the JF-17 Block 3 offers impressive capabilities at a competitive price, the J-10CE provides a significant technological leap in terms of radar systems, weaponry, and engine performance. Should Azerbaijan opt to complement its JF-17 fleet with the J-10CE, it would enjoy enhanced operational flexibility and a stronger deterrent capability against regional adversaries.

A New Arms Race

The potential acquisition of the J-10CE by Azerbaijan comes amid heightened regional tensions. Armenia, Azerbaijan’s neighbor and rival, has reportedly been in talks with France to acquire Dassault Rafale fighters. This development could exacerbate the arms race in the South Caucasus, where both nations have been vying for military superiority since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Azerbaijan’s interest in Chinese fighters reflects a broader shift toward diversifying arms suppliers. Historically reliant on Russian equipment, Baku has been expanding its partnerships to include nations like Israel, Turkey, and now China. The J-10CE, with its blend of affordability and advanced features, represents a strategic fit for Azerbaijan’s evolving defense posture.

China’s Strategic Ambitions in Defense Exports

China’s aggressive promotion of the J-10CE is part of a broader strategy to expand its footprint in the global arms market. Traditionally overshadowed by U.S., Russian, and European defense companies, China is rapidly gaining ground by offering high-performance systems at competitive prices.

The J-10CE, alongside platforms like the JF-17 and the stealth-capable J-35A, underscores Beijing’s ability to produce world-class military aircraft. By targeting emerging markets like Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and potentially Egypt, China is not only boosting its defense revenues but also strengthening geopolitical ties with strategically important nations.

J-10CE

Despite its growing appeal, the J-10CE faces several challenges:

• Competition from Western and Russian Fighters: The Dassault Rafale, Su-35, and F-16 remain strong competitors, offering proven performance and established logistical support networks.
• Political Barriers: The sale of Chinese military equipment can sometimes attract geopolitical pushback, particularly from the United States, which has long dominated the global arms trade.
• Perception Issues: While China has made significant strides in aerospace technology, some buyers remain cautious about the long-term reliability and maintenance of Chinese platforms.

Global Defense Arena

The J-10CE “Vigorous Dragon” is rapidly emerging as a game-changer in the 4.5-generation fighter market. Its blend of advanced capabilities, competitive pricing, and geopolitical alignment with emerging markets makes it a compelling choice for nations seeking to modernize their air forces without breaking the bank.

For Azerbaijan, the potential acquisition of the J-10CE would signal a bold step in its efforts to enhance military readiness amid ongoing regional challenges. If Baku follows through, it would join a growing list of countries turning to China for cutting-edge defense solutions, further cementing Beijing’s position as a major player in the global arms industry.

As the J-10CE gains traction in international markets, the 2024 Airshow China has demonstrated that the “Vigorous Dragon” is more than just an aircraft—it is a symbol of China’s ambitions to reshape the global defense landscape.