China Sells J-10 Fourth Generation Fighters to Pakistan

[Khafee]

Point of this pic, on this thread?

@Gripen9 ?

 

[rhinosqdn]

Pakistan confirms Chinese ‘Firebird’ fighter acquisition​

By Usman Ansari
Jan 3, 2022

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has officially confirmed its long-speculated acquisition of the Chinese J-10C Firebird fighter jet, which is slated to arrive in time to take part in the March 23 Pakistan Day Parade.

Rasheed Ahmed, Pakistan’s interior minister, told the media last week the country acquired 25 aircraft. He linked them as a counter to India’s growing Rafale fleet.

He did not detail the value of the deal, and a source familiar with Pakistan’s military acquisition programs said he does not know if the fighters were “purchased or loaned to Pakistan’s Air Force.”

However, the source said, he is “more inclined to the latter, as [the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force] may have given a few units to the Pakistan Air Force to test on a delayed cost basis.”

Richard Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, told Defense News there “is imagery suggesting that finished J-10Cs at the Chengdu factory are ready for near-immediate transfer,” referring to a manufacturing location in China.

Pakistan’s interest in the J-10 spans more than 10 years. The country was first interested in the FC-20 export variant of the single-seat J-10A. This was part of the wider Armed Forces Development Plan 2015, derailed by a lack of funding under the 2008-2013 Pakistan Peoples Party administration.

Pakistan’s interest in the FC-20 was partially driven by a need to complement its F-16, when further acquisition of that program appeared unlikely.

Pakistan also reportedly examined acquiring the Russian Su-35 Flanker-E, potentially to help better cover naval operations in the Arabian Sea.

When speculation first arose of a Pakistani J-10C purchase in early 2021, it was linked with one of the Pakistan Air Force squadrons based in Karachi.

China’s naval air arm, the PLANAF, operates the earlier J-10AH and J-10SH Firebird variants from shore as multirole aircraft. Though unconfirmed, Pakistan may operate its aircraft similarly.

Pakistan’s Firebirds are believed to be the J-10CE export variant of the latest J-10C, featuring an active electronically scanned array radar and long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles. Twenty-five aircraft could equip two squadrons of 12 aircraft each.

Royal United Services Institute airspace analyst Justin Bronk said the J-10C will significantly boost Pakistan’s air power.

“The J-10C is a potent modern multirole light fighter, which represents a rough Chinese equivalent to a modern F-16 Block 60/70,″ he said.

However, he noted, it’s not quite on a par with the Rafale.

“The AESA radar and access to the long-ranged PL-15 air-to-air missile make it a potentially serious long-range threat to non-stealth aircraft, although it might still struggle as a counter to India’s Rafale at long ranges. The latter’s superior kinematic performance and access to the Meteor missile [provide] a decent counter to the PL-15,″ Bronk said. “The J-10C is also unlikely to be able to match the Rafale for electronic warfare capabilities.”

 

[rhinosqdn]

However, the source said, he is “more inclined to the latter, as [the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force] may have given a few units to the Pakistan Air Force to test on a delayed cost basis.”

Meaning, already landed

China’s naval air arm, the PLANAF, operates the earlier J-10AH and J-10SH Firebird variants from shore as multirole aircraft. Though unconfirmed, Pakistan may operate its aircraft similarly.

As stated by @Khafee J10 will replace Mirages, and both J10 & J15 will be used by Southern Air Command for Naval Ops as well.

 

[War Historian]

Hi @War Historian, thanks for highlighting this strategically important aspect about J-10s and the possibility of loaning a squadron or two in war. Back in 2000-2010, I understood that Pakistan could loan F-16s from UAE as well. A lot has changed in the previous decade and there are new strengths and weaknesses at play... from the lens you see, is that still a possibility?

UAE received their Blk60's from 2004 to 2006. Despite the US's instance on keeping PAF out of the UAE, our ties are deeper than that.

Pakistani pilot deal linked to US block on UAE technology release

Plans by the United Arab Emirates air force to contract up to 200 Pakistan air force fighter pilots to fly F-16D Block 60 fighters it has ordered from Lockheed Martin are at the heart of the US Government's decision to block the release of sensitive technology to the Gulf state, ...

www.flightglobal.com

In Feb 2019, only two countries put their air forces on the highest state of alert, KSA & UAE, and in case of full blown war, 2 Sqdns from UAE, and 4 Sqdns from KSA were promised, besides financial support. It was the Kings personal call to Modi, that put the indians on the back foot.

What aircrafts sqdns were promised is irrelevant, what is relevant is that it emboldened us, if nothing morally. The C17's, and An-124's brought was invaluable, and not for public consumption.

We need to engrave in our minds and hearts, that India attacked us, Iran was about to, as then ISPR spokesman Maj. Gen/ Asif Ghafoor stated, but who actually stood by us?

Invaluable Intel was also provided, to the extent that PA, knew more about events in real time, that sometimes they were ahead of PAF, as in the IAF helo crash.

Taking all of the above in to account, you are free to infer, as to who will our friends, frenemies, and enemies will be in the next conflict.

 

[War Historian]

Sir brothers are always brothers. So if Pakistan would be in trouble i always bet on 5 permanent friends of Pakistan.
KSA , UAE , Turkey , China , Qatar.

Hi @War Historian, thanks for highlighting this strategically important aspect about J-10s and the possibility of loaning a squadron or two in war. Back in 2000-2010, I understood that Pakistan could loan F-16s from UAE as well. A lot has changed in the previous decade and there are new strengths and weaknesses at play... from the lens you see, is that still a possibility?

 

[Gripen9]

@Gripen9 ?

MAR-1 integrated with J-10?
They already have Kh-31 ARM as part of its weapons suite.

 

[Khafee]

MAR-1 integrated with J-10?
They already have Kh-31 ARM as part of its weapons suite.

Not exactly, the capability to integrate weapons of choice.

 

[Khafee]

Taking all of the above in to account, you are free to infer, as to who will our friends, frenemies, and enemies will be in the next conflict.

You mean to say asteen kay saanp, aka hypocrites?

 

[Gripen9]

Not exactly, the capability to integrate weapons of choice.

That would be great if we can incorporate our weapons systems such as Ra'ad and even Turkish ASELPOD.

 

[War Historian]

You mean to say asteen kay saanp, aka hypocrites?

Yes Sir, the country who meet with our head of state with a smile but behind the curtains they facilitate india for terrorism in Pakistan. They handed over their port to indians. I hope all members know that so called islamic republic.

 

[Khafee]

That would be great if we can incorporate our weapons systems such as Ra'ad and even Turkish ASELPOD.

I wish sniper could be incorporated into non-US aircrafts.

 

[BATMAN]

That would be great if we can incorporate our weapons systems such as Ra'ad and even Turkish ASELPOD.

Due to the ''customization'' leaks, I'm guessing, Pakistan is getting complete package of J10CE, they may not deviate from WMD-7

 

[TsAr]

Sir brothers are always brothers. So if Pakistan would be in trouble i always bet on 5 permanent friends of Pakistan.
KSA , UAE , Turkey , China , Qatar.

Qatar

 

[Khafee]

Qatar

Did this ever materialize, never heard anything after the announcement.

Qatar also offers US $3 billion to Pakistan | The Express Tribune

Loan from Gulf country to come in shape of deposits and direct investments

tribune.com.pk

 

[TsAr]

Did this ever materialize, never heard anything after the announcement.

Qatar also offers US $3 billion to Pakistan | The Express Tribune

Loan from Gulf country to come in shape of deposits and direct investments

tribune.com.pk

Investment did come, Qatar invested almost $billion in East Pakistan as they still believe that Bangla is part of Pakistan

Pakistan denies $5 billion Qatari investment diverted to Bangladesh

KARACHI: Pakistani officials say they are still pursuing $5 billion in Qatari investment after speculation emerged last month that the commitment was diverted by the Gulf state to Bangladesh. In 2019, a delegation from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), headed...

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