ISLAMABAD: Recent aerial engagements between Pakistan and India have drawnsignificant attention from Chinese state-affiliated media, which haveofficially praised the Pakistan Air Force for its effective utilization ofthe J-10C fighter jet in neutralizing multiple Indian aircraft. Reportsindicate that the J-10C, equipped with advanced PL-15 missiles, achievednotable successes during the brief but intense conflict in May 2025,marking the platform’s first verified combat performance. This developmenthas been portrayed as a validation of Chinese aerospace technology on theinternational stage.
The engagement highlighted the J-10C’s capabilities in beyond-visual-rangecombat, where its active electronically scanned array radar and long-rangemissiles reportedly enabled decisive engagements against advanced Indianplatforms, including the French-made Rafale. Chinese outlets, includingstate broadcaster CCTV and affiliated publications, emphasized that theaircraft demonstrated superior situational awareness and integration withsupporting systems, resulting in no reported losses for Pakistan whileinflicting damage on opposing forces.
Building on this momentum, Chinese media have also spotlighted the historicexport achievements of the JF-17 Thunder, a jointly developed multirolefighter between Pakistan and China. The platform’s combat-proven status,combined with its affordability and versatility, has attracted interestfrom multiple nations seeking modern air capabilities without reliance onWestern suppliers. This success underscores the deepening Sino-Pakistanidefense collaboration.
Analyses from Chinese sources describe the J-10C’s performance as abreakthrough, shifting perceptions from theoretical advancements toreal-world efficacy. The fighter’s integration of ecosystem-centric warfareprinciples, prioritizing information dominance and coordinated assets, hasbeen credited with providing Pakistan a strategic edge. Such endorsementsreflect Beijing’s growing confidence in its indigenous military aviationsector.
The JF-17 Thunder’s export trajectory has gained further prominencefollowing recent deals and negotiations. Countries including Azerbaijan,Myanmar, and Nigeria already operate the aircraft, with additional interestreported from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Discussionsoften involve converting loans into procurements or bundling with trainingand support packages, highlighting the platform’s appeal inbudget-conscious markets.
Pentagon assessments confirm China’s delivery of 36 J-10C units to Pakistansince 2020, with 20 operational by mid-2025, positioning Islamabad as thesole export recipient. This exclusivity reinforces strategic ties andserves as a proving ground for Chinese technology under contestedconditions. The combination of J-10C and JF-17 deployments during theconflict has amplified global recognition.
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Chinese commentary extends beyond technical praise to strategicimplications, portraying these outcomes as evidence of evolving airpowerdynamics in South Asia. The absence of losses on the Pakistani side,contrasted with reported Indian setbacks, has fueled narratives oftechnological maturity and operational excellence. This has spurrednationalist sentiment within China while offering lessons for broadermilitary planning.
Ongoing negotiations for JF-17 exports, potentially worth billions, signalsustained momentum. Pakistan’s defense minister has linked increasedinterest to the demonstrated performance in 2025, suggesting economicbenefits that could reduce external dependencies. These deals typicallyinclude advanced variants equipped with AESA radars and helmet-mounteddisplays.
The confluence of combat validation and export growth positions bothaircraft as key elements in regional security architectures. Chinese statemedia continue to frame these developments as milestones in bilateralcooperation, emphasizing shared aspirations for stability and technologicalself-reliance.ogimageimage-name
