Iran Receives 40 Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets, Declares It’s ‘Ready for War’ Amid Rising Tensions
Iran Receives 40 Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets, Declares It’s ‘Ready for War’ Amid Rising Tensions
In a dramatic show of military realignment and defiance, Iran has announced the delivery of 40 advanced Chinese J-10C fighter jets, signaling a strategic shift in its air force capabilities and escalating concerns about a potential new arms race in the Middle East.
The acquisition, which Tehran confirmed through state media early Tuesday, marks Iran’s most significant airpower upgrade in decades. Iranian military officials say the move comes after prolonged delays in Russia’s promised Su-35 deliveries, prompting a pivot to Beijing for more immediate defense solutions.
“Our skies are no longer vulnerable,” declared Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). “With the arrival of these jets, we send a clear message: Iran is ready to defend its sovereignty and respond decisively to any aggression.”
From Moscow to Beijing: Iran’s Strategic Shift
The deal with China represents a turning point in Iran’s procurement strategy. For years, Tehran had been negotiating with Russia for the advanced Su-35 fighter jets, originally intended as part of a post-embargo upgrade plan following the 2020 expiration of UN arms restrictions.
But repeated delays attributed to Russia’s own war in Ukraine and internal production constraints left Tehran increasingly frustrated. Defense insiders say Iran began quietly negotiating with China in late 2024, culminating in the rapid delivery of 40 Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters over the past month.
The J-10C, known for its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, long-range precision strike capability, and modern electronic warfare systems, is considered a formidable platform comparable in some respects to Western fourth-generation-plus fighters.
Iran’s announcement comes amid heightened tensions following a series of airstrikes attributed to the U.S. and Israel in recent months, including the targeted destruction of radar sites and missile depots inside Syria and western Iran. Tehran claims the new jets will restore “strategic equilibrium” and prevent further violations of its airspace.
“Let our enemies be warned,” General Vahedi said during a televised ceremony showcasing the new aircraft. “The Islamic Republic does not seek war but we are fully ready for it.”
Officials from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Pentagon declined to comment directly on the development. However, senior regional analysts have voiced concern that the new fleet could embolden Iran’s military posture in contested zones such as the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Syria.
China’s Role: A Quiet Yet Strategic Partnership
China has not issued a formal statement on the jet delivery, but the move highlights growing military cooperation between Beijing and Tehran, both of which are signatories to a 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership signed in 2021.
This latest deal may mark China’s most overt arms transfer to Iran in over a decade, sidestepping Western scrutiny by exploiting the expiration of UN arms restrictions and expanding its foothold in the Gulf region.
Implications for the Middle East and Beyond
With the balance of airpower shifting, regional rivals are already recalculating. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both longtime U.S. allies, have invested heavily in fifth-generation platforms such as the F-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon. Yet Iran’s acquisition of the J-10C narrows the qualitative gap and could trigger further military spending across the region.
What Comes Next?
While Iran’s air force remains relatively limited compared to NATO-aligned powers, the addition of 40 modern fighter jets marks a leap in capability and ambition. Military observers are now watching closely to see whether Iran begins conducting joint exercises with China or leverages the aircraft for power projection in flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has not disclosed the financial terms of the deal, nor has it commented on training or logistical support arrangements. However, sources close to the Iranian military say Chinese advisors have been seen at multiple IRIAF bases in recent weeks.
Imitation is the best form of flattery.
ReplyDeleteFrom Chat GPT:
The Chinese J-10 fighter was influenced by Israeli technology, particularly from the cancelled IAI Lavi program, which shared the J-10's distinctive canard-delta wing configuration. Allegations suggest China obtained Lavi blueprints and technology, possibly during Israel's late 1980s economic troubles, leading to a convergence of design features in the J-10. While China denies direct influence, the J-10's advanced aerodynamics and avionics suggest a technological springboard from the U.S.-funded Lavi project and potential Israeli assistance in a period of close military relations between China and Israel.
The Lavi Connection
Shared Design:
The J-10's canard-delta wing layout, which uses small forward "duck wings" for enhanced maneuverability, is a key feature shared with the Israeli Lavi fighter, notes Defence Security Asia.
Cancellation and Opportunity:
The Lavi project was cancelled under U.S. pressure in 1987. This event, coupled with Israel's subsequent need for new defense markets, created an opportunity for technology transfer.
Technology Transfer:
Analysts believe China acquired critical Lavi technologies, such as composite airframe design, fly-by-wire systems, and advanced avionics, during Israel's 1980s economic difficulties and its period of closer military ties with China.
Evidence and Speculation
Visual Similarities:
The striking aerodynamic similarities between the J-10 and the Lavi are a prominent visual sign of potential technological cross-pollination.
Indirect Methods:
Despite denials, the possibility of indirect technology transfer, such as through commercial channels or consultations, persists.
The U.S. Angle
U.S. Funding and Pressure:
The Lavi was a U.S.-funded project, and Washington pressured Israel to cancel it to avoid undermining U.S. dominance in the global fighter market.
U.S. Concerns:
U.S. officials later expressed concern that Israel had helped China develop the J-10, especially given the advanced, U.S.-funded technology involved in the Lavi.
In Summary
While direct proof is elusive, the consensus among many analysts is that the J-10's design, particularly its aerodynamic features, draws heavily from Israel's cancelled Lavi fighter, incorporating technology that was funded by the U.S.
Back in the early 2000s, CCP was having a great deal of difficulty developing AESA radar technology.
DeleteAESA radar are those flat-panel radars where the beams are steered electronically instead of the traditional rotating or parabolic antenna. AESA radar can scan its coverage area several hundred times a second instead of 1 times a second in traditional radar..
The electronics to switch high powered radar beams hundreds of time a second was something CCP was facing a lot of difficulty to master.
It was the Israelis sold CCP the tech secrets..abetted by the Bush Admin who treated this as "non-lethal" technology that could be passed to the CCP.
I bet the Israelis are regretting the short sighted decision
'during Israel's 1980s economic difficulties and its period of closer military ties with China'
DeleteMfer, do u recall that those meeting zionists sapu-ed the money paid for by the Chinese for the joined radar project between the zionist state & China?
The shylocky nature of these zionist mfers refused to return the money after they fails in delivering their project contribution!
If the zionists r that great in military weaponry, they would be so cauka. Moreover, all their superior weapons r majority yankee contributions. Even their claimed infamous iron dome air defense fart!
'The Lavi was a U.S.-funded project, and Washington pressured Israel to cancel it to avoid undermining U.S. dominance in the global fighter market'
Such a twisted statement of fart. If Lavi was funded by the US, then US would hold the major ownership in Lavish fighter project. The Yank is still gaining dominance in the global fighter market!
BTW the uses of small forward "duck wings" for enhanced maneuverability in fighterjets design has been an open design that many other fighterjet manufacturers have poured money into research & yet failed. Composite airframe design, fly-by-wire systems, and advanced avionics r all advanced design concepts tried by many other manufacturers too.
R them manufacturers copied Lavi's design concepts? Or the Lavi utilized others' design concepts?
Mfer, didn't I told u that ChatGPT produces shit when u r searching a query with convoluted requests?
Finally this know-nothing mfer, mentioned about the zionist state cheating AESA radar technology.
DeleteThe zionist state has NO advanced AESA radar technology! They were using a PPT to con the money out from the Chinese, when the Chinese r still believing in buying was better & faster than developing her own technologies in the WTO world frame.
BTW, The electronics to switch high powered radar beams hundreds of time a second was restricted by the chipset designed material used. Not until the advancing on REE has that concept be achieved with using gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors for improved power and efficiency.
Mfer, next time when u want to fart on subject u hardly in touch;
1) don't listen to yr 台毒 dickheads
2) do a more indepth research & ask knowledgeable personnel
3) f*cked off & don't say anything
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/chinas-j-10-fighter-f-16-copy-israeli-dna-210756
ReplyDeletewakakakaka… likening the claim of jewishness just bcoz u embrace judaism fart!
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