Iran Intends to Acquire Chinese J-10C in Lieu of Russian Su-35 DEFENSE NEWS TODAY

Iran has escalated discussions with China about the acquisition of Chengdu J-10C light multipurpose fighters to supplant the Russian Su-35.

The Moscow Times reported this, citing Khorasan. According to the publication, Iran aims to expedite the modernisation of its air force by viewing Chinese aircraft as a cost-effective alternative to the Russian Su-35.

Iran has shown interest in the J-10C for approximately two decades. In 2015, preparations commenced to finalise a contract for the procurement of 150 fighters; however, the agreement encountered delays.

China demanded payment in foreign money, whereas Tehran, facing a shortage, proposed barter transactions involving oil and gas. The United Nations arms embargo on the Islamic Republic also obstructed the agreement.

United States abolished these limits

The United States abolished these limits in 2020 and recommenced negotiations. The agreement’s extent diminished to 36 aircraft; nevertheless, the parties once more could not reach a consensus on payment.

Then, on June 24, the United States authorized China to legally purchase oil from Iran without imposing sanctions, changing the circumstances.

Early in 2025, the Iranian Air Force officially possessed approximately 150 fighters, primarily outdated American-made types acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The inventory includes the F-4 Phantom II (64 units), F-5E/F Tiger II (35 units), and F-14A Tomcat (41 units). Additionally, there are 18 MiG-29A/UBs in operation, received in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These aeroplanes are not only obsolete, but the majority are also in an inoperable state.

By the 2010s, the Iranian military had executed many modernisations and retained approximately 15–20 F-14A Tomcats with operational status. Reports of incidents coincided with the sighting of several F-14s in the sky between 2022 and 2024.

Twelve-Day War

Iran has significantly relied on domestically manufactured anti-aircraft missile systems for its air defenses due to its outdated aircraft fleet. Nevertheless, the events of the “Twelve-Day War” demonstrated that Israel had successfully neutralised Iranian air defenses and established aerial dominance.

Consequently, it is understandable that Iran has a pressing ambition to enhance its aircraft fleet; however, simply acquiring a limited number of aircraft, even those equipped with long-range PL-15E missiles, will not resolve the air defense dilemma.

The Algerian Air Force has adorned a Su-35 fighter aircraft with its camouflage and tail number, similar to the export variant intended for Iran.

Iran revealed its intention to acquire Russian Su-35s in September 2022, and in January, an Iranian official verified the procurement of these aircraft from Russia.

The plan called for their arrival in the country in the spring of 2023, but no aircraft arrived. Algeria acquired Su-35 warplanes originally intended for delivery to Iran, as revealed in March 2025.