The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) introduced its first batch of J-11C Vigorous Dragon fighters into service today (10). The fighter jets, manufactured in China by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, were presented at a ceremony at the Kamra air base, attended by authorities from both countries.
The six new aircraft, which had arrived in the country on the 04th, flew over the air base in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khanm, who welcomed the purchase of the fighter jets. In addition to the J-10C, the PAF also introduced the Turkish Baykar drones into service. TB2 Bayraktar and Akinci.
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So far, the amount paid for the J-10s has not been revealed, nor the true number of aircraft purchased, although authorities have previously spoken of 25 jets. Other sources say the Pakistanis want to acquire up to 36 J-10Cs.
The introduction into service of the J-10C in the PAF is another step in the long partnership that Pakistan and China have enjoyed. The 4th Generation fighter JF-17 was developed between the two countries, being one of the main models in operation in the PAF. The purchase of the J-10C also marks the first export of the Chinese model.
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At least one of the featured J-10s was armed with four PL-15 long-range missiles and two PL-10 short-range missiles. These are among the most advanced weapons in the Chinese arsenal, considered equivalent to the North American AIM-120 AMRAAM and the European IRIS-T.
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The J-10C is a 4.5 Generation multirole fighter, being the newest, most advanced and capable version of the J-10 delta-canard. The aircraft incorporates the Chinese Shenyang WS-10B engine — which replaces the Russian Saturn AL-31 used in previous variants — AESA radar, and compatibility with the aforementioned air-to-air missiles.
The J-10 would have been developed from the IAI Lavi, an Israeli fighter based on the US F-16A. Today, more than 460 units of the J-10A, S, B and C variants are in service with China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
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Without naming neighboring India, Khan said in his speech that Chinese-built planes would play an important role in correcting a “security imbalance” in the region.
Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations. The two nations have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is divided between the two but claimed by both in its entirety.
On the day that revealed the purchase of the J-10, Home Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated that the purchase is a response to the 36 French Dassault Rafale fighters acquired by the Indian Air Force,
