Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has acquired 25 Chengdu J-10 (J-10C) multirolefighter jets from China in response to India’s purchase of the DassaultRafale.
This was revealed by Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, in a presstalk on Wednesday. The minister said that the first batch of theChinese-origin fighter jet would be delivered as early as March next year.
He revealed that a squadron of 25 J-10s will take part in the Pakistan Daycelebrations on 23 March.
“VIP company are coming (to attend 23rd March ceremony) for the primarytime in Pakistan, the fly-past ceremony of JS-10 (J-10C) is beingheld…Pakistan Air Drive goes to carry out the fly-past of China’s JS-10(J-10C) plane in response to Rafale,” Sheikh Rashid said, requesting theopposition to change the date for their demonstration against thegovernment.
While an actual number of units purchased is yet to be confirmed, PakistanStrategic Forum quoted sources as saying that 36 aircraft have beenacquired, enough to equip two squadrons of 18 fighters each.About J-10C
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The J-10C (or a derivative version of it adapted to the needs of the PAF)is a modern, and powerful single-engine multi-role fighter. It is equippedwith an AESA active electronically scanning radar, powerful ECM, low RCSand has a wide range of smart munitions at its disposal.
Many aspects of the J-10C mid-sized fighter jet, including the size,aerodynamic characteristics, aviation, weapon systems, and overall combatcapability brings this aircraft in the same league as the Rafale acquiredby the Indian Air Force (IAF).
