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Pakistan to order J-10

written by australianaviation.com.au | November 16, 2009

PLAAFJ-10B
The improved J-10B, as being ordered by Pakistan

Pakistan has agreed to a deal with China for 36 Chengdu J-10B fighters worth up to US$1.4bn (A$1.5bn).

The J-10, roughly the equivalent in performance and capabilities to late model F-16s, is entering service in large numbers in China, and Pakistan is known to have shown some interest in the aircraft for some time. The latest J-10B (pictured) has a reprofiled nose, modified chin air intake, and is believed to have a new electronic warfare self protection suite and other enhanced systems.

The aircraft is expected to be designated FC-20 in Pakistani service, with deliveries commencing from 2014.

Pakistan is already licence building the Chinese FC-1/JF-17 Thunder, with the first example to roll out within weeks, and has a large fleet of F-16s, with more now being delivered.

“The agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China,” Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general was quoted as saying. “There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is … also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

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