Deployment of Chinese-made aircraft in recent conflict with India highlights strategic military partnership and potential shift in regional air dominance.
Key Takeaways:
i) Pakistan deployed its Chinese-made J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets in the recent conflict with India, marking a significant combat engagement for the aircraft.
ii) The J-10C is considered a modern, multirole combat aircraft that rivals the capabilities of the US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon.
iii) The United States has placed restrictions on Pakistan’s use of its F-16 fleet against India due to end-user agreements and geopolitical concerns, making the J-10C a crucial asset for Pakistan’s air force.
Money Matters Monitoring – Business Insider, in an article titled “China’s J-10 fighter jet is a ‘rough equivalent’ to the F-16 that the US won’t let Pakistan use against India,” highlights the increasing importance of Chinese military technology for Pakistan’s air defense strategy. The article notes that Pakistan has deployed its advanced J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets in the ongoing tensions with India.
According to the Business Insider analysis, the Chengdu J-10C, designed and manufactured by China, is a single-engine, multirole combat aircraft that represents a significant upgrade from earlier Chinese-made fighters. The article states that security analysts previously considered the J-10 a “rough equivalent to the American F-16” before its recent combat performance.
The J-10C boasts advanced capabilities, including sophisticated air-to-air missiles such as the PL-15, which is considered a long-range, active-radar-guided missile. These features potentially give Pakistan an edge against India’s air force, including its French-made Rafale fighter jets.
The deployment of the J-10C underscores the deepening military cooperation between Pakistan and China, with approximately 80% of Pakistan’s military equipment reportedly sourced from China. This reliance on Chinese hardware is particularly significant given the limitations placed by the United States on Pakistan’s use of its F-16 fleet. Business Insider points out that the US has restricted the employment of these American-made jets against India due to end-user agreements, which were initially intended for counter-terrorism operations.
“Pakistan acquired its first J-10C jets in 2022, integrating them into its air force to counter India’s capabilities,” the article further elaborates. The J-10C boasts advanced capabilities, including sophisticated air-to-air missiles such as the PL-15, which is considered a long-range, active-radar-guided missile. These features potentially give Pakistan an edge against India’s air force, including its French-made Rafale fighter jets. Some reports even suggest that the J-10C’s radar and communication systems effectively interfered with the Rafale during recent engagements.
While independent verification of all claims remains ongoing, the apparent combat success of the J-10C marks a notable achievement for China’s military aviation industry and further solidifies its strategic partnership with Pakistan. As tensions in the region persist, the J-10C is expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s air defense and its ability to respond to regional security challenges.
