Look at this way, how would it look for China, if they gave PAF a cutting edge version, while selling downgraded versions to other countries?
Do other countries / customers enjoy the same strategic relationship going back decades?
When China sells weapons to foreign countries, they are customized options.
For example: J-10CE. its airframe and engine are basically fixed. However, the customer is free to choose the relevant components from China's exportable kits according to their needs.PAF gave their J-10CE the option of a multi-mission combination model. In the future, other customers may choose the same multi-mission combination mode, or they may choose the air superiority combination mode. The exact choice is up to the customer. ------ Of course, they are limited to exportable related components. PLAAF's special dedicated components are not exportable.
For block 3 JF-17 we also have PL-15E, standard PL-15 is only for J-10C, we are yet to be seen standard (PLAAF version of PL-15 range 200 km) on JF-17 block 3
The actual range of a modern medium to long range BVR air-to-air missile is not entirely determined by the fighter itself. Especially some 4th/4.5th Gen fighters upgraded by modifications. They are limited by the power generated by their engines. They can hardly operate at full power even when equipped with the most advanced GaN AESA radars.
I.e., the maximum range of the BVR air-to-air missile exceeds the maximum lock-on range of the onboard radar. At that point, it must rely on the help of the Air Combat Command Data Link to guide the missile through the radars of other weapon systems. Without the radars of other weapon systems to guide it, it will be forced to shorten its attack range (the farthest lock-on distance of the fighter's onboard radar).
@Michael validated something very interesting, some time back.
Once a missile is sold, China has no control over how it is modified by the end user.
The official word:
China exports weapons systems without non-trade conditions.
For example:
When PAF got F-16, US did not allow Pakistan to use it for Kashmir.
When PAF acquired the J-10CE, there were no such restrictions.
When a customer buys a Chinese weapon, China will not allow/prohibit the customer to modify the weapon parameters privately. When a customer disassembles the weapon system privately, he/she will lose the eligibility for after-sales service. That is all. China will not take any other sanctions as a result. ------ China's advanced weapon systems sold to foreign countries come with encrypted electronic fences to prevent these weapons from being used to attack China.
Yes, but I think you are confusing how an aircraft operates in different modes. Correct me if I'm wrong.
It's similar to how we play RPG game.
J-10C and J-10CE. the total number of attribute points for the main character is the same. But the way they distribute their attribute points is different. Strength, Wisdom, Agility, Physical ......
This is a moot point. It would be unfair to compare a J10 with a J-16. Apples and oranges.
I certainly realize that the J-10C cannot be compared to the J-16.
However, the J-10C is basically not tasked with ground/sea strikes in the PLAAF sequence. It is an airspace guard right now. It will be withdrawn once more and more advanced air superiority fighters come into service in the PLAAF.
That's a different niche than the PAF's J-10CE, which is required to have a ground/sea strike mission.
This was the initial plan, but with the advent of UCAV's with AI this could be sooner.
China's UCAVs are growing really fast. However, manned fighters will still be very active for many years to come. Current UCAVs still have many mission blind spots.
