Recently, the WeChat official account of the publicity office of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry of National Defense released an article titled "Top Ten News Stories of the Science, Technology and Industry of National Defense for 2025." Among them, "J-10CE Achieves First Combat Success, Drawing Global Attention" ranked tenth on the list.
The article noted that in mid-May 2025, China's export-oriented fighter jet, the J-10CE, achieved its first combat results, shooting down multiple enemy aircraft in air combat without sustaining any losses.
China's J-10CE fighter is an all-weather, single-engine, single-seat, multi-role fighter independently developed by China. In recent years, the aviation industry has expanded into both civilian and military trade markets, with a large number of military trade products, including the J-10CE, making systematic appearances at major international air shows.
Driving domestic military equipment onto international stage
The office said that the J-10CE's combat achievements abroad demonstrate the practicality and reliability of domestically produced aviation equipment. Compared to similar foreign equipment, it possesses strong competitiveness and can drive other domestically produced aviation equipment to enter the international market.
The J-10CE is the export variant of the J-10 fighter, inheriting the characteristic canard configuration and excellent maneuverability of the J-10 family. It is fully equipped with the latest avionics system, featuring advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared electro-optical detection devices, and electronic warfare systems. It boasts powerful capabilities in system-coordinated operations, beyond-visual-range multi-target engagement in strong electromagnetic countermeasure environments, and multi-mode precision ground attack.
The aircraft also excels in medium-to-low-altitude air combat maneuvering, supersonic flight, short takeoff and landing, large combat radius, long-range endurance, and aerial refueling capabilities. It is equipped with advanced integrated avionics and weapon systems, with strong external weapon-carrying capabilities.
Making a name in India-Pakistan conflict
On March 11, 2022, the Pakistan Air Force held a ceremony in Kamra to receive the first batch of six J-10CE fighter jets. On March 23, the aircraft made its first public appearance during Pakistan's National Day parade. In May 2024, the J-10CE made a name during an India-Pakistan air conflict. Piloted by the Pakistan Air Force, the aircraft shot down six Indian Air Force fighter jets, including three French-made Dassault Rafale fighters, shocking the international community with its combat performance.
According to reports from foreign media, in the early hours of May 7, 2025, local time, the Indian Air Force launched "Operation Sindoor," striking "terrorist facilities" within Pakistan. Pakistan said that its military is equipped with Chinese-made beyond-visual-range missiles and air defense systems, capable of striking targets within India from a distance of 150 kilometers, thereby solidifying Pakistan's long-standing air superiority.
During a speech in parliament on May 7, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar revealed that Pakistan used Chinese-made J-10 series fighter jets to shoot down three newly acquired Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
The news was later confirmed by French and US officials. US officials corroborated that Pakistan used the J-10 to launch air-to-air missiles, shooting down at least two Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft.
High procurement interest from multiple countries
In a report from last May, China's media CCTV noted that the Chinese export fighter jet J-10CE not only shot down multiple enemy aircraft in combat but also returned without any damage. Military experts highlighted several advantages of the J-10CE: first, its small radar cross-section; second, its AESA radar, which provides strong detection and anti-jamming capabilities; and third, its powerful weapons, including the PL-15 air-to-air missile with long range.
Reports indicate that in the international military trade market, the J-10CE's high cost-effectiveness gives it strong market competitiveness. After "making a name in one battle" last year, several countries, including Bangladesh and Indonesia, have shown strong interest in procuring the J-10CE.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Ma Jing; English Editor: Darius)
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