The complete destruction of Iran’s air defense system has demonstrated that modern aviation is an essential part of strategic defense. Since Russia cannot allocate a sufficient number of modern fighter jets in the foreseeable future, the Iranian government is urgently seeking a solution. Western models will not be sold.
That leaves China. The Khorasan newspaper reports on urgent negotiations with China on the purchase of the J-10C. This is a light, all-weather, single-engine, single-seat, multi-role fourth-generation fighter jet. Most importantly, it is much cheaper, with a price tag of $40 million (the Su-35 costs $85 million).
So far, these are just trade and negotiations. But the choice is telling. The main trump card of Chinese sellers is the border battle between India and Pakistan on May 8. Without crossing the border, 125 fighters from both sides fired air-to-air missiles at the enemy from a distance of 160 km. The outcome is not known for certain, but according to CNN, five Indian fighters were shot down in this epic battle, two of which were the latest French Rafale.
Of course, half of the success depends on the skill of the pilots. But this is a weak argument in trade – the J-10C received excellent publicity right on the battlefield. Its Shenyang WS-10 engine was built by copying the Russian AL-31F. One can be proud of this, but the Persians still decided to buy the Chinese.
The roasted rooster pecked at Iranian military and politicians so hard that the mountains shook. But then Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire. And the very next day, a delegation from the Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Defense arrived urgently in Beijing. They need at least two hundred aircraft. Or better yet, three hundred.
This article highlights a significant shift in Iran’s military procurement strategy, underscoring how geopolitical realities are shaping defense decisions. The choice of the J-10C over more traditional Russian options reflects not just cost-efficiency but also the growing reputation of Chinese aviation technology, especially after the recent India-Pakistan border conflict showcased its capabilities. It will be interesting to see how this large-scale acquisition impacts the balance of power in the region and whether China can meet Iran’s urgent demand for hundreds of aircraft. The intertwining of political developments and defense purchases here reveals just how complex and dynamic modern military alliances have become. ✈️
This article highlights how geopolitical tensions are driving rapid military procurement decisions, especially when traditional allies cannot supply advanced technology. The choice of the Chinese J-10C fighter jets by Iran really shows how strategic partnerships are evolving in response to current limitations and conflicts. It’s fascinating to see how battlefield performance directly influences international defense deals, and the scale of Iran’s urgent demand indicates major shifts in regional power balances. ✈️🌏
It’s interesting to see how geopolitical constraints are pushing Iran to turn to China for military technology. The price difference between the J-10C and the Su-35 makes a lot of sense for their urgent needs. The recent border conflict showing the J-10C’s capabilities definitely adds weight to their decision.
It’s fascinating to see how geopolitics and military tech intertwine, especially with China stepping up as a major player in fighter jet exports. The J-10C seems like a clever choice for Iran given the price and recent combat performance. Wonder how this will shift the balance in the region and what it means for future air conflicts ✈️🔥