PAF J-10CE News, Updates and Discussion

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

Dear in my personal view, the natural transition for local manufacturing, Pakistan is probably looking for is : JF17 to PFX to KAAN. J10C and J35 is/will come to cover the required capabilities so their would be no compromises. JF17/PFX/KAAN will be manufactured in number and form LO part of Hi-Lo mix. F16/J10C/J35 is Hi part of this Hi-Lo mix and is/will be imported goodies.

I have no doubt in PAF planning what they decide will be better for pakistan ofcourse but this JF17/PFX/KAAN looks like a long term plan and also we will miss the chinese munitions for this part. but anyways lets see they knows what is best for PAF.

There is one very good scientist and researcher here in our university. he always says

"Scientific progress comes from scaling the right dimension. Scaling all dimensions is just wasteful engineering"

 

[SiliconBit (silicon0000)]

I have no doubt in PAF planning what they decide will be better for pakistan ofcourse but this JF17/PFX/KAAN looks like a long term plan and also we will miss the chinese munitions for this part. but anyways lets see they knows what is best for PAF.

There is one very good scientist and researcher here in our university. he always says

"Scientific progress comes from scaling the right dimension. Scaling all dimensions is just wasteful engineering"

I don't think there would be any issue in integration of chinese munitions in our local manufacturing products. But yes their might be some integration issue with our own munitions and turkish munitions in J10C & J35.

Please note what i said is just my personal view based on publicly available information. No insider info in this.

 

[studsmart]

PFX is a future single-seat, single-engine platform for the PAF, and the J35A is an immediate need to stay competitive or balanced. The KAAN-P will be the next 5.5 Gen PAF fighter, replacing several older fighters like FSola. It will be produced locally in significant numbers. I don't see the Kaan-P in the PAF for another 8-10 years.

The way i see it, PAF's possible induction plan

2025-2030/32 - J35A --> 3-4 squadrons
2025-2030 - stealth UCAV
2028-2035 - wafadar 1 /2 - trusted wingman
2028 - high-intensity short war with India
2030-2035 - PFX near 5th gen single engine
2035-2040+ KAAN-P in 5.5 gen category
2037-2042 - Chinese 6th gen fighter

 

[Pakistan Space Agency]

If it were PAF aircraft displayed at the Zhuhai Air show last December then delivery of new batch J-10s could be imminent .
Notice the safety instructions in English.

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The serial number is at the bottom of anyone can work it out.

 

[RajaBaja]

Plus this reduces the cost for us and we can built more 4.5++ gen and we can also continously upgrade them according to our threat?

Yes! My opinion below, considering now we have Eastern and Western borders to watch. We need near 300 PL-15 ready jets available.

Stop JF-17 at block III at 50 end of order. Upgrade all block I&II with AESA radar so PL-15 is integrated urgently. Full feature upgrade to Block III can happen slowly later. Radar & PL-15 is much needed.

Buy J-10C in quantity, we need a 4.5 gen jet and Mirages need to go.

J-35 will come in around 3 squadrons. Then KAAN around 2030.

FUTURE: Find a platform that China will allow investment in, that they will also induct in PLAAF / PLAAN. That's securing our future.

 

[Reichmarshal]

For J35, it always around 2028. Earlier delivery push came with recent Indo-Pak skirmish. But how early it's possible is something we don't know.

Actually its 2140

 

[Fatman17]

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[Fatman17]

Paris 2025

J-10CE Sr No 205 and 206 for a export customer

 

[Windjammer]

The Master Blaster !!

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

In the early days, there were indeed rumors that CATIC had marketed the J-10A (export code FC-20) to Iran and Pakistan. But in the end, neither Iran nor Pakistan bought it. The J-10A was discontinued in 2014.

At present, the PLAAF's procurement of J-10C is saturated. CAC no longer produces J-10C. The production line only produces J-10CE.

There are rumors that if there are no large orders for J-10CE in the next two years, CAC may completely shut down the J-10 full series production line in 2028 and completely terminate the project. ------ The J-10CE production line in Guizhou also belongs to CAC.

CAC currently has no interest in the J-10 series fighters, and terminating the project is in line with CAC's development strategy.
We do not rule out that the J-10CE production line may be sold as a package.

@Oscar @Quwa @MastanKhan @arslank01 @Waz @Windjammer @Panzerkiel @Bilal
The potential availability of the J-10CE production line presents a strategic opportunity for Pakistan to acquire this capability as a comprehensive package. Pakistan should prioritize securing this deal, whether through financing arrangements or other means (gurday bhaijnay parhay ya koyi local mineral mine ki deal kar kay karna parhay karlo..sorry zyadaa jazbaati ho gaya hun?), as it is critical for bolstering its defense industry. By acquiring the production line, Pakistan could manufacture over 200 J-10CE aircraft domestically (humaray apnay fleet kay liye), incorporating its own modifications to meet specific operational requirements. Furthermore, with China's consent and potential collaboration, Pakistan could explore exporting these aircraft to other nations, generating economic benefits and strengthening defense ties. This move aligns with Pakistan's long-term goals of enhancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and expanding its role in the global arms market.

 

[the vicious kind]

@Oscar @Quwa @MastanKhan @arslank01 @Waz @Windjammer @Panzerkiel @Bilal
The potential availability of the J-10CE production line presents a strategic opportunity for Pakistan to acquire this capability as a comprehensive package. Pakistan should prioritize securing this deal, whether through financing arrangements or other means (gurday bhaijnay parhay ya koyi local mineral mine ki deal kar kay karna parhay karlo..sorry zyadaa jazbaati ho gaya hun?), as it is critical for bolstering its defense industry. By acquiring the production line, Pakistan could manufacture over 200 J-10CE aircraft domestically (humaray apnay fleet kay liye), incorporating its own modifications to meet specific operational requirements. Furthermore, with China's consent and potential collaboration, Pakistan could explore exporting these aircraft to other nations, generating economic benefits and strengthening defense ties. This move aligns with Pakistan's long-term goals of enhancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and expanding its role in the global arms market.

In my opinion, PAC is already has its hands full with JF-17 production. They're still exploring foreign buyers, and there’s a strong possibility that the PAF may place additional follow-up orders. It’s important to remember that a significant number of older aircraft—like the Mirages and F-7PGs—still need to be replaced, and the JF-17 is the only low-cost candidate for that role.

As for the J-10C, I don’t think local production is likely. The JF-17 was a completely different kind of project—it was conceived as a joint development and co-production program, with the PAF deeply involved from the very beginning, even in its design phase. That level of collaboration simply doesn't exist with the J-10C, which is essentially an off-the-shelf purchase.

 

[Tariq Habib Afridi]

In my opinion, PAC is already has its hands full with JF-17 production. They're still exploring foreign buyers, and there’s a strong possibility that the PAF may place additional follow-up orders. It’s important to remember that a significant number of older aircraft—like the Mirages and F-7PGs—still need to be replaced, and the JF-17 is the only low-cost candidate for that role.

As for the J-10C, I don’t think local production is likely. The JF-17 was a completely different kind of project—it was conceived as a joint development and co-production program, with the PAF deeply involved from the very beginning, even in its design phase. That level of collaboration simply doesn't exist with the J-10C, which is essentially an off-the-shelf purchase.

In my view, if the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) intends to completely shut down the J-10CE production line, than in this case Pakistan should seize this opportunity to persuade them to transfer the entire production facility to Pakistan. This strategic acquisition would enable Pakistan to manufacture J-10CE aircraft domestically, meeting its own defense requirements while positioning the country to fulfill potential export orders. For example, if Iran secures a contract with China for 150–200 J-10CE aircraft, Pakistan could handle production on China’s behalf, leveraging the transferred facility. This would generate significant economic benefits, enhance technical expertise, and advance Pakistan’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

Similarly, Pakistan should pursue the transfer of the JF-17 Block 3 production line. By consolidating manufacturing capabilities for both aircraft types, Pakistan could produce them domestically in quantities tailored to its needs, enabling the retirement of all legacy aircraft in its fleet. This would modernize the Pakistan Air Force while allowing the country to retain profits from export orders facilitated through China. With China’s apparent waning interest in these programs, this presents a critical opportunity. Many countries are seeking 4.5 or 4.5+ generation light-to-medium fighter jets, and centralizing production in Pakistan would bolster its defense export potential, drive economic growth, and strengthen its standing in the global arms market.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]