Iran to Procure Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets Following Israeli Airstrikes
Iran is preparing to enhance its aging air force capabilities by purchasing advanced J-10C fighter jets from China, following its military's lack of response during recent Israeli and American airstrikes. This decision comes after years of unsuccessful negotiations with Russia, highlighting vulnerabilities in Iran's air defense system due to the aerial bombardments.
Reports from The Moscow Times and RBC Ukraine indicate that Tehran has intensified discussions with Beijing to acquire Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters. This move follows a stalled agreement with Russia for Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft, where despite a 2023 deal for 50 Su-35s, only four jets were delivered to Iran.
The choice to pursue the single-engine J-10C, instead of the pricier twin-engine Russian fighters, is reportedly influenced by both cost-effectiveness and urgency. The J-10C is equipped with an advanced AESA radar and capable of firing PL-15 long-range missiles, which the Pakistan Air Force recently used in confrontations with India.
Dubbed the "Vigorous Dragon," the J-10C is a 4.5-generation fighter jet developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It features a delta wing-canard design and is powered by the WS-10 engine. Despite some reliability concerns with the engine, the aircraft represents a significant advancement for air forces moving away from older platforms.
Iran's renewed interest in the J-10C comes years after a failed attempt to procure the jet. A 2015 negotiation for 150 J-10s fell through because of China’s demand for foreign currency payments, which Tehran could not accommodate due to heavy sanctions. Iran’s proposal of exchanging oil and gas in barter was rejected by Beijing, and a United Nations arms embargo further complicated the purchase.
As of 2025, Iran's air force primarily consists of Cold War-era aircraft like the F-4 Phantoms, F-5E/F Tigers, F-14A Tomcats, and MiG-29s. Much of this fleet, acquired before the 1979 revolution, is reported by the IISS Military Balance 2025 report to be either unserviceable or technologically outdated.
Recent Israeli airstrikes, conducted with advanced aircraft such as the F-35I Adir, F-16I Sufa, and F-15I Ra’am, resulted in significant destruction of Iranian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities and missile bases, without effective interception. This has prompted Iran to seek rapid modernization of its aerial defense capabilities.
The potential J-10C acquisition could also signify a shift in Iran’s defense strategy, moving closer to China after experiencing delays with Russia. If completed, this deal might boost China's influence in the Middle East and solidify its defense trade presence in the region, alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are also interested in the J-10C.
