Several Countries in Discussion to Acquire Chinese J-10C Fighters

Several countries are in talks with China to acquire its J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” multirole fighter jets, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.

Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin confirmed ongoing discussions with “friendly nations” for weapons procurement, including the J-10C, and said China remains committed to a responsible approach to military exports. “China is willing to share its equipment development achievements,” Jiang said.

The J-10C is a single-engine, fourth-generation fighter equipped with an AESA radar, canard-delta wing configuration, radar-absorbent materials, and armed with PL-15 and PL-10 missiles. It was designed to compete with the F-16 and Dassault Rafale and is reportedly priced around $40–50 million per unit, including missile systems—substantially lower than its Western counterparts.

Interest in the aircraft has grown following a May 2025 aerial clash between India and Pakistan, where Islamabad claimed its Chinese-supplied J-10Cs shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafales, using PL-15 missiles. India initially denied the losses, but officials later admitted “combat losses” without providing details.

The incident marked the J-10C’s first confirmed combat deployment and drew international attention. “The clash seems to support the general assessment that Chinese weapons are becoming a match for Western systems,” said Siemon Wezeman from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The clash also impacted stock prices, with Chengdu Aircraft Corporation—maker of the J-10C—seeing a 30% jump, while Dassault Aviation's shares fell over 7%.

Strategic Export Push

China is using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand arms sales in Latin America. In early 2025, Colombia joined the BRI, and China reportedly offered Bogotá two dozen J-10CE fighters, even though Colombia had already announced interest in Sweden’s Gripen-E.

The J-10C offer reflects Beijing’s strategy to undercut Western defense deals by highlighting potential export restrictions on U.S.-sourced components like Gripen’s engine. Past Chinese offers in the region, including JF-17s to Argentina and J-10Cs to Brazil, were countered by U.S. F-16 deals. But China continues to press forward.

Beyond Latin America, potential buyers include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria—countries seeking affordable alternatives to Western jets amid budget constraints and growing security needs.