The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has taken decisive steps to enhance its air combat capabilities in response to evolving regional dynamics. Among the most prominent additions to its inventory is the induction of the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet, an advanced 4.5-generation, multi-role combat aircraft designed to strengthen Pakistan’s air superiority posture. The acquisition reflects a broader effort by Pakistan to modernise its air force, enhance deterrence, and respond to the changing balance of air power in South Asia.

Why the J-10C? Meeting Regional Security Demands

The J-10C addresses a key requirement in the PAF’s operational doctrine: superiority in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements. Equipped with the long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, capable of striking targets over 200 km away, the J-10C gives Pakistan a decisive reach advantage in aerial combat. This is particularly significant in the context of India’s acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, which also emphasise BVR capabilities through weapons like the Meteor missile.

Designed as a mid-weight, agile, and highly networked platform, the J-10C fills a niche between the PAF’s lightweight JF-17 fighters and its legacy F-16 fleet. Its introduction allows the PAF to field a more balanced mix of platforms suited to a variety of missions, from interception and air superiority to ground strike and maritime roles.

Procurement Overview: Numbers, Timeline and Value

Pakistan confirmed the acquisition of the J-10C in late 2021, and the aircraft made its public debut at the 23rd March 2022 Pakistan Day Parade. A total of 25 aircraft were procured in the first batch, designated J-10CE (the export variant). Delivery was completed at an expedited pace, with many aircraft reportedly arriving before the parade, indicating a high-priority production and transfer schedule by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.

The estimated cost per unit ranges between $35–40 million, placing the total package value near $875 million to $1 billion, inclusive of air-to-air missiles, maintenance support, and associated equipment. This represented a major defence transaction between Pakistan and China, marking the J-10C’s first export success.

A Technological Upgrade

The J-10C brings a suite of modern technologies to the PAF. It features delta-canard aerodynamic design for agility, Fly-by-wire flight controls, modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and reduced radar cross-section due to its design and use of composite materials.

The aircraft can carry a wide range of precision-guided munitions and smart weapons. It includes 11 hardpoints and a maximum payload of around 6,000 kg, with air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and electronic warfare weapons all supported.

There is also the potential for minor PAF-specific modifications to improve compatibility with existing systems, such as Chinese-origin datalinks, radars, and avionics infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration into Pakistan’s operational ecosystem.

Engine: Design Challenges and Adaptations

A crucial aspect of the J-10C’s evolution lies in its engine. The aircraft originally utilised the AL-31FN engine, a derivative of the AL-31F designed for the twin-engine Su-27 family. However, adapting this powerplant to a single-engine platform such as the J-10 posed serious engineering challenges. The AL-31F was never optimised for single-engine use, and this mismatch led to early reliability issues.

One of the key design alterations made for the J-10 involved repositioning the engine accessory magazine, which in Su-27 derivatives is located atop the engine. Due to the J-10’s unique internal structure, this module had to be relocated beneath the engine, a non-trivial redesign that distinguished the J-10’s engine configuration from that of its Flanker counterparts.

Although the J-10 and Chinese Flankers (like the J-11 or J-16) use similar engines in name, AL-31 variants or the domestic WS-10B, they are not directly interchangeable due to structural differences. This also debunks some speculative claims, such as the rumour that Indonesia could share spare engines between Su-30s and used J-10s; in practical terms, such interoperability is not feasible.

The current J-10CE models in Pakistani service are believed to be powered by the improved WS-10B turbofan engine, offering enhanced thrust and reliability. The WS-10B, developed indigenously by China, marks a significant step towards self-reliance and improved maintenance cycles compared to earlier Russian imports.

Avionics and Radar: Evaluating Generational Capability

In official Chinese military classification, the J-10C is described as a fourth-generation fighter with avionics that approach the capabilities of a 4.5-generation platform. This reflects the PLA’s internal standards, which rank aircraft like the J-11BG and J-16 as full-fledged 4.5-generation fighters. Therefore, despite being considered a 4.5-generation by international metrics, largely due to its AESA radar, datalinks, and electronic warfare capabilities, the J-10C falls just short by Chinese standards.

Furthermore, as an export variant, the J-10CE’s avionics are slightly downgraded in comparison to those fielded by the PLA Air Force. This is standard practice in Chinese defence exports, influenced by both legal and strategic considerations. Nonetheless, the avionics suite of the J-10CE remains competitive within its class, providing the PAF with a substantial capability leap.

Operational Role and Future Planning

The J-10C is expected to perform multiple roles within the PAF, with an emphasis on air superiority and strategic strike missions. Its induction also has a knock-on effect on other PAF assets, enabling a redistribution of roles: lighter fighters like the JF-17 can now focus more on tactical and ground-attack operations, while the J-10C handles high-threat airspace and frontline missions.

Importantly, the J-10C complements Pakistan’s broader ambitions in network-centric warfare. Its ability to operate alongside Chinese AWACS platforms, communicate via indigenous or Chinese tactical datalinks, and share information in real-time enhances the PAF’s command and control infrastructure.

Balancing Against Regional Capabilities

Analysts have drawn comparisons between the J-10C and the Indian Air Force’s Rafale. While the Rafale is equipped with sophisticated electronic warfare systems like SPECTRA and a diverse weapons suite, the J-10C counters with its longer-range BVR capability, newer production run, and lower acquisition and operational costs.

Furthermore, the strategic value of the J-10C lies not just in its hardware but in its integration. Its close compatibility with other Chinese-origin systems already in Pakistani service, such as the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft and upcoming UCAVs, gives the PAF a level of interoperability and network coherence that cannot be easily replicated with Western platforms under export controls.

Conclusion: A Fighter for the Next Decade

The J-10C is more than a fighter acquisition. It represents a clear pivot in Pakistan’s defence posture. With this induction, the PAF has taken a confident step toward a modern, interconnected, and flexible air force structure. It adds not only firepower but also operational depth and technological momentum, positioning the PAF to meet regional challenges with confidence well into the next decade.