China, U.K. Commence Stealth Fighter Export Initiative at Saudi Arabian Defense Show

The Chinese arms industry commenced international marketing of its FC-31 stealth fighter jet, a competitor to the American F-35  at Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show, which concluded on Wednesday in Riyadh city.

Simultaneously, BAE Systems displayed a model of its upcoming Tempest stealth fighter at the event. Saudi Arabia currently operates the Eurofighter Typhoon and is considering an upgrade to its ageing fleet.

China's aircraft sales in the rish Gulf nations received a boost recently when it marked a potential sale of 12 L-15 Light Combat-Trainer aircraft to the U.A.E. The L-15 trainer can mimic the controls of several leading fighter jets including F-16 and the Rafale.
A model of the FC-35 was diplayed prominently at the stand of Aviation Industry Corporation of China along with that other export possibilities such as the Y-9E transport aircraft besides drones such as the Wing Loong-2, the CH-5 and the WJ-700.

As differences between the United States and its its Gulf allies such as the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia over a host of issues including relations with Iran and Israel cloud the sale of F-35 jets, Beijing sees an opportunity to offer the FC-31.
While many western observers consider the FC-31 a clone of the F-35, its developer, Shenyang Aircraft Company (SAC) says the aircraft is completely different internally while its outer shape may resemble that of the F-35.
The FC-31 stealth fighter jet is also on display at the exhibition, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced in a post on social media on Monday. SAC functions under the wings of AVIC.