Iran has intensified negotiations with China to acquire dozens of Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets following complications in its agreement to purchase Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia. According to a report by The Moscow Times, Iran is currently in the final stages of talks to buy 36 J-10C jets from China.
This move is part of Iran’s ongoing air force modernization efforts amid escalating military threats from Israel and the United States. The urgency for advanced fighter jets grew after last month’s Israeli-American joint airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In 2023, Iran signed a deal with Russia to procure 50 Su-35 fighter jets. However, only four jets have been delivered so far, causing delays and uncertainty in the plan.
Iran Revives China J-10C Fighter Jet Deal Amid Payment Disputes and UN Arms Sanctions
Iran’s talks with China are not new. In 2015, Iran planned to acquire at least 150 J-10 jets, but payment disagreements halted the deal. China requested payment in foreign currency, while Iran proposed paying with oil and gas, failing to reach an agreement. Additionally, United Nations arms sanctions further complicated the procurement process.
Currently, the J-10C fighter jet is also operated by the Pakistan Air Force and is considered a highly capable 4.5-generation multirole aircraft. Equipped with long-range PL-15 missiles, this single-engine jet is regarded as a cheaper, effective, and reliable alternative to the Russian Su-35.
Iran’s strategic move to diversify its fighter jet fleet signals a new phase in the global balance of power.
