Photographs of Pakistan-bound first J-10Cs emerge: Report

Ending years of speculations and grapevines prevalent amongst defence enthusiasts, the first made-in-China J-10 multi-role fourth-generation fighter jet has been reportedly spotted in China. The jets are being manufactured by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Unofficial Photographs of the J-10 fighter jets have been doing rounds of social media which seem to have been taken at an airbase in China, as per a report by The Drive. “Photos show a jet with typical two-tone PAF camouflage on the ground at the facility, plus an aircraft, which may be the same one, undergoing a test flight,” the report said.
 

Zooming-in on the photos, the vertical stabilizers of the two panes had serial numbers 22-102 and 22-106 respectively.
 

When the rear view of the aircraft is closely observed, it is concluded that the jet is being propelled by a China-made WS-10B Taihang engine. This is a technical improvisation undertaken by the manufacturers to ensure quick export of the jets. The original J-10Cs used by the PLA Air Force are powered by the Russian AL-31F engine. The jets fitted with these Russian engines would have required the latter's approval, the report says. “Previous reports have suggested this export-configured aircraft might be designated J-10CE, a name used by the manufacturer, or perhaps even FC-20,” the report further said.

Pakistan is the first commercial buyer of J-10Cs. The sale of J-10Cs to Pakistan has been making news for some years and it was in December 2021 when the country’s interior minister confirmed that the PAF will raise two new squadrons of these jets, as per a report by Defensetalks.com. He also confirmed that the 25 J-10Cs will take part in a flypast on “Pakistan Day” on 23rd March even though it seems it will be impossible for China to complete the order on time. The purchase of J-10Cs is seen as a response to India’s acquisition of Rafale fighter jets.