Iran is advancing negotiations to buy China’s high-tech Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, which Pakistan deftly flew to counter a massive 80-warplane Indian attack last month.
In the aftermath of unchallenged Israeli attacks and U.S. hits on its nuclear sites, Tehran is frantically engaged in an effort to modernize its outdated air force.
Iran plans to replace its old aerial defense system which proved to be no match for Israeli modern air power, several media outlets including The National Interest reported.
As per reports, an Iranian delegation visited Beijing earlier this week to firm up the purchase.
J-10C are fourth-generation fighter jets. Pakistan’s effective response to India’s attack during May 7-10 conflict brought them international spotlight.
In one of the biggest dogfights in history, Pakistan downed six Indian warplanes including French state-of-the-art Rafale jets in the first two hours of the combat, when New Delhi mounted a huge attack with the self-described objective of targeting militant hideouts in Pakistani cities and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir region.
The heavy losses came as a major embarrassment for New Delhi, as its airpower vastly outnumbered Pakistani planes.
Another reason for Tehran’s turning to China to enhance its air force could be Russia’s inability to deliver Su-35s according to Tehan’s deadline. Moscow is reportedly not able to meet the production demand due to its focus on Ukraine war.
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Iran had around 150 fighter planes when Israel attacked on June 13. These included about 50-year-old American F-4vPhantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II planes.
The J-10C is a single-engine multi-role jet with a price tag ranging between $60 million to $90 million – another factor that would have made them a choice for Iran.
If Iran purchases these jets, it will be the second major country in the region to use Chinse technology in the key air defense system after Pakistan.
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