Earlier this month, Pakistan's Air Force displayed a newly inducted J-10C fighter jet for the first time. The aircraft was spotted in operation with a Shenyang WS-10 turbofan engine and social media reports have confirmed that the aircraft was in service.
The Chinese J-10C is a light-to-mediumweight fighter aircraft that is designed for air-to-air combat missions. It has an electronically scanned array (AESA) fire control radar and can carry advanced fourth-generation air-to-air missiles. It can also transport drop tanks and avionicsPods. The J-10C boasts a lower radar signature than previous J-10 models. The J-10C has eleven hardpoints and is capable of carrying six thousand kilograms of weapons. The aircraft can carry air-to-air missiles such as the Yj-91a radar guided missile, Kd-88 anti-ship missile, and Yj-91a air-to-air missile.
Chengdu Aerospace Corporation introduced the J-10C fighter-jet, a brand new model of J-10. It includes an electronically scanned array radar (AESA), a wing with canard-delta wings, and an avionics module. It has also introduced a diverterless supersonic inlet. The upgraded airframe is made of composite materials to lower its weight.
The J-10C has an extensive development history. It first flew in 1998, and entered front-line service in 2003. It is the J-10's most sophisticated version. The aircraft has a delta wing and a canard design that adds aerodynamic abilities, but also adds drag. It can be used in all weather conditions. It has 11 hardpoints that can be used as weapons. This is similar to the Indian Rafale fighter. It is equipped with a high-powered Avionics Suite that is comparable to either the F-22, F-35 or F-22.
Imran Khan (Pakistan's prime minster) witnessed the flypast and inducted the aircraft. He also felicitated the nation for the delivery of its fighter jet. The prime minister and the chief of air staff sat in the cockpit of the aircraft. The J-10C is a fully integrated weapons system, according to the chief air staff. The aircraft is capable of carrying a wide range of air to-ground and air–to-air missiles, such as radar guided missiles. The aircraft can be recharged by air.
Many Pakistani military strategists believe that the J-10C is Pakistan’s answer to Rafale. It is said to be more stable than the Rafale, and its engines are more powerful and agile. It is also equipped with a better electronic warfare suite. It has improved jamming resistance, and features advanced three-dimensional maps and waveform agility to assist in SAR imaging. It also has more thrust and energy, and it is 11% heavier.
Pakistan is interested to buy the Chinese J-10C fighter plane, primarily to combat the Indian Rafale fighter fighter jet. It is believed to be a better and cheaper alternative to Pakistan's Lockheed Martin F-16s. The Rafale-compatible weaponry can also be carried on the aircraft's advanced radar and air to-air missiles.