J-10CE
At the peak of heightened activity last month, the Pakistan Air Force Chengdu J-10C fighter jet carried out its maiden combat mission, a milestone achievement for the aircraft and its manufacturer, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
The dramatic surge, touted by financial news outlets like Bloomberg and GuruFocus, is a reminder of an ageless truth in the defense industry: a weapon’s worth is best determined by its effectiveness in real-life combat.
The unveiling of the J-10C demonstrated its capabilities and China’s increasing ability to create advanced military technology, which in turn raised concerns about the evolving global airpower landscape.
The J-10C, formally known as the “Vigorous Dragon”, is a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed to counter its Western counterparts, the USA’s F-16 Fighting Falcon and France’s Dassault Rafale.
The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation branch of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China built the J-10C as a flagship project for China’s aerospace industry.
Starting with its maiden flight in 1998, the J-10 programme was conceived in the 1980s with the objective of modernising China’s air force by replacing ageing Soviet-designed models.
The J-10C variant
The J-10C variant, which was inducted into service sometime in 2015, is fitted with state-of-the-art technologies that position it in the 4.5-generation fighter category as a serious contender.
Its maiden combat flight on May 7, 2025, was worth decades of research and investment, which piqued the interest of defense analysts and investors.
The J-10C is preferred because it boasts an advanced avionics suite based primarily on an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
This radar equips the plane with the capacity to detect and track numerous targets at long ranges, even under enemy conditions involving high electronic interference.
The accuracy of the radar, coupled with the jet’s capability to fire long-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-15, is a substantial advantage in beyond-visual-range combat.
The PL-15, with an alleged range of over 100 miles, is intended to outrange the majority of Western missiles and therefore forms a key component of contemporary air-to-air combat.
The J-10C is armed with the PL-10 missile, whose imaging infrared seeker, designed for close-range air-to-air combat missions, is onboard.
In conjunction with the aircraft’s digital fly-by-wire control system and canard delta wing configuration, the weapon offers a higher level of manoeuvrability and versatility.
J-10 Armament
The aircraft has a Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barrelled 23 mm cannon installed under the left intake for use in close combat.
The propulsion system of the J-10C has been both praised and criticised. The previous J-10 aircraft used turbofan engines, the AL-31FN supplied by Russia, while the J-10C uses the indigenous WS-10B engine.
The domestically built engine, with an output of approximately 32,000 pounds of thrust, is more stable and less foreign-dependent.
Based on a 2020 South China Morning Post article and other sources, the WS-10B incorporates provisions for increased stealth capability, including serrated afterburner nozzles.
Experts, such as Andreas Rupprecht, have observed that the WS-10B has a lower thrust-vectoring performance compared to certain Western engines, which might limit the manoeuvrability of the aircraft in certain situations.
Regardless of such projections, the recent performance of the J-10C in combat missions has eliminated the fears of some critics, demonstrating the engine’s sufficiency in actual combat situations.
Although Israel’s cancelled Lavi project served as inspiration for the plane’s design, the J-10C is distinctly a Chinese product. The canard-delta configuration enhances low-speed handling and aerodynamic stability by positioning the canards at the front and the delta wing at the back.
The jet has stealth features, including a diverterless supersonic inlet and radar-absorbent materials, but is not a true stealth fighter like the US F-35 or China’s J-20. Compared to the F-16, the J-10C offers similar multirole features at a lower cost, with an estimated price of $40–50 million per aircraft in 2022, according to GlobalData.
Rafale cost $100 million+
The Rafale twin-engine fighter costs over $100 million and has advanced electronic warfare systems. However, it lacks the J-10C’s cost-effectiveness.
This cost advantage attracted buyers like Pakistan, which ordered 25 in 2022 and received them in March. The J-10C saw its first combat in a brief but intense aerial clash.
It reportedly engaged advanced Western military aircraft during the encounter. Pakistani officials claim their J-10Cs, armed with PL-15 missiles, intercepted several Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales.
A classified U.S. intelligence source, cited in Wikipedia on May 12, 2025, reported at least two J-10C aerial victories. One of these was allegedly against a Rafale fighter.
The engagement showed the jet’s ability to perform in high-threat environments. It used its AESA radar and beyond-visual-range missiles for long-distance targeting.
Reports from Nikkei Asia and Business Insider note the performance sharply boosted the stock of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Prices rose from 59.23 yuan on May 6 to 88.88 yuan on May 9.
This event marked a 50% jump in just three days, according to Investing.com. The surge reflected market excitement over the J-10C’s combat success.
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation Portfolio
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, founded in 1958, is a major Chinese defense manufacturer. Its portfolio includes the J-10, the JF-17 Thunder with Pakistan, and the J-20 stealth fighter.
J-10C success boosted investor confidence in Chengdu’s ability to produce top-tier export aircraft. From 2020 to 2024, Pakistan bought over 60% of China’s arms exports.
It remains China’s largest weapons customer, per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The J-10C’s combat reputation has caught the attention of Egypt, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia.
A 2024 National Interest report noted these nations have discussed buying the fighter. Military success often boosts defense sales.
The U.S. F-15’s Lebanon War victories in 1982 spurred global demand. Similarly, Operation Desert Storm in 1991 cemented the F-16’s export success.
The J-10C’s reported ability to challenge and outperform jets like the Rafale is a strong sales driver. Since 2001, people have valued the Rafale for its versatility and modern systems.
Its reported losses in this clash sparked debate over its value versus cheaper options like the J-10C. On May 7, ProPakistani reported Chengdu’s shares soared while Dassault Aviation’s stock dropped over 5%. This contrast shows how combat results shape perceptions of technological superiority.
Analyst Yang Zi of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies called the J-10C’s success a positive sign for Chinese arms quality.
J-10’s first flight 29 years ago
The J-10C’s ability to match Western jets shows China’s rapid aerospace progress since the J-10’s first flight 29 years ago. Beyond finances, the jet’s combat induction carries geopolitical importance.
China’s defense industry is modernising quickly, investing in fifth-generation jets like the J-20 and missiles like the PL-15. The J-10C strengthens China’s position as a leading arms exporter.
It challenges the dominance of traditional suppliers like the U.S., Russia, and France. For nations with limited budgets, the J-10C offers advanced capabilities at a lower cost than Western fighters. The 2024 Dubai Air Show highlighted this advantage.
China’s August 1st Aerobatics Team showcased the J-10C to attract foreign buyers. The display underscored how air warfare is evolving.
Long-range sensors and missiles now play a critical role. The J-10C’s AESA radar with PL-15 missiles enables beyond-visual-range targeting.
This aligns with global network-centric warfare trends. Between 2019 and 2021, experts claimed the J-10C outperformed Russia’s Su-35 and China’s J-16.
It often detected and targeted opponents first. Its battlefield record shows it meets modern air combat demands.
However, some analysts note its single engine and lack of stealth may hinder it against fifth-generation rivals like the F-35.
J-10 Evolution
Combat experience from the J-10C will shape future designs. China’s aircraft have evolved from the J-10A to the current J-10C.
Future upgrades could include stealth, stronger engines, or unmanned “loyal wingman” drones. China’s J-20 already uses some of these technologies.
Lessons from J-10C combat could accelerate their integration. Still, China’s secrecy makes predicting upgrades difficult. Analyst Justin Bronk calls the J-10C a “4.5 generation jet fighter”.
Its long-term impact depends on budgets and operational success. The J-10C’s entry into service affects the global arms market. China supplies nearly 80% of Pakistan’s Air Force equipment.
Pakistan serves as a proving ground for Chinese ambitions. Success could lead to more export orders, especially in Africa and the Middle East.
These markets often seek cheaper alternatives to Western jets. Competition remains strong from Russia’s Su-35 and America’s F-16.
The J-10C’s low price and features offer an advantage. Yet, its limited combat record slows wider acceptance. The jet’s arrival influences air power balances in Asia and beyond.
China’s ability to mass-produce fighters challenges Western technological dominance. The U.S. relies on the F-35’s stealth and sensor fusion for air superiority.
The J-10C shows China closing the gap in the 4.5-generation category. For poorer nations, choosing a $40 million J-10C over a $100 million Rafale or F-35 is strategic. It reflects alignment with either China or the West.
Conclusion
This relationship was evident in Pakistan’s choice to acquire the J-10C, a move that reinforced its military ties with Beijing. The J-10C’s combat debut has been significant in affecting the share price of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and China’s defense sector.
The success of the jet has justified years of investment in domestic technology, including the WS-10B engine and the PL-15 missile.
Nonetheless, there are still many questions regarding whether this market expansion is sustainable in the long run. Will success for the J-10C translate to long-term success in exports, or is it fleeting success?
The outcome will, in large measure, hinge on China’s ability to take advantage of this technological and diplomatic accomplishment in a bid to rearrange the global defense space. The world is now focussing on the Vigorous Dragon.
References
- Bloomberg—Chengdu Aerospace Stock Surge
- GuruFocus – Chengdu Aircraft Corporation Valuation
- Investing.com – Chengdu Aircraft Corporation Share Price
- Nikkei Asia – J-10C Export Potential
- The National Interest—J-10C Capabilities
- ProPakistani – Pakistan Air Force J-10C Deployment
- South China Morning Post – WS-10B Engine Overview
- SIPRI—China’s Arms Exports to Pakistan
- Wikipedia – J-10C Fighter Jet
- S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
- Business Insider—Air Combat Trends
