Iran is taking a bold step to modernize its air force by turning to China for help, with plans to acquire the J-10C fighter jet.
Iran’s Aging Air Force Exposed after Recent 12-Day War
A 12-day war began on June 13, 2025, between Iran and a joint force of Israel and the United States. The conflict revealed serious weaknesses in Iran’s military. Israel launched a major attack called “Operation Rising Lion.” The operation used advanced stealth aircraft, including the F-35I. F-15 strike jets also took part in the mission. Key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted in the strikes.
Iran’s air defense, which includes older jets and domestically produced missile systems like the Bavar-373, failed to stop these attacks. Iranian sources say that up to 30% of their operational fighter fleet may have been destroyed during the strikes, though exact numbers are not confirmed.
Most of Iran’s air force fleet is very old. According to the 2025 Military Balance report, Iran had about 150 fighter jets before the war. But many of these aircraft date back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These include 64 F-4 Phantom II jets, 35 F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, and 41 F-14A Tomcats, all of which were made in the United States. Iran also has 18 MiG-29A/UB aircraft from the former Soviet Union. Due to a lack of spare parts and technical support, many of these planes are not fully operational.
🚨 Iran Strikes Israeli Hospital: Soroka Medical Center Hit in Unprecedented Missile Attack
Iran’s air defense systems also fell short. The missiles they rely on were unable to match Israel’s high-tech jamming and stealth systems. As a result, Iran is now looking elsewhere for new military equipment to avoid repeating such failures.
The J-10C: China’s Modern Fighter Jet Enters the Picture
To make up for these gaps in its defense, Iran is now negotiating with China to buy 36 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets. These jets are a major upgrade compared to Iran’s current fleet. The J-10C, known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is a modern multirole fighter developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation.
This jet belongs to the 4.5-generation category. It offers high-level features but is not as advanced as fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. The J-10C has a sleek design with a single engine. Its delta wings and canard forewings give it great speed and agility.
One of the most powerful tools in the J-10C is its KLJ-7A radar system. This is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that allows the jet to detect and track multiple targets with great precision. The jet also carries PL-15 air-to-air missiles, which have a range of over 200 kilometers — a range that rivals even some Western weapons like the AIM-120D AMRAAM used by the U.S.
The aircraft is also equipped with electronic warfare tools like radar-jamming systems and decoys. It can take on enemy aircraft, bomb ground targets, and even be used to destroy enemy air defense systems — missions known as SEAD and DEAD.
Compared to Russia’s Su-35 jets, which Iran had planned to buy earlier, the J-10C is cheaper and easier to maintain. While the Su-35 is more powerful, its cost — often over $100 million per plane — and delays caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine pushed Iran to cancel that deal. The J-10C, costing between $60 million and $90 million, became the more realistic option.
China Becomes a Key Defense Partner in the Middle East
The failed Su-35 deal between Iran and Russia opened the door for China to step in. Russia had promised to deliver Su-35s starting in 2023, but due to its war in Ukraine and the need to supply other buyers like Algeria, the delivery never happened.
Talks with China were made possible by another major development — the United States lifted sanctions on China’s purchase of Iranian oil on June 24, 2025. This gave Iran access to the cash it needed to pay for the jets. Iran had earlier offered to trade oil for the jets, but China rejected the barter proposal, preferring payment in money.
Iran Sanctions Ur ed b Israel at UN Amid Intense Global Caution
While Iran initially hoped to buy 150 jets, financial and technical limitations brought the number down to 36. Still, this marks a major shift. China is not only selling aircraft but could also supply Iran with advanced radar and air defense systems.
Su-35 Deal Fails, J-10C Takes Its Place
The J-10C has already seen success in the region. The Pakistan Air Force used it in a May 2025 battle where it reportedly shot down Indian Rafale jets, thanks to its AESA radar and PL-15 missiles. This combat record gave Iran confidence in the jet’s capabilities.
But bringing these jets into service won’t be easy for Iran. The country has never operated Chinese fighter aircraft before, and switching from U.S. and Russian systems to Chinese systems will require new infrastructure. Training pilots, creating maintenance facilities, and importing spare parts from China will take time and money.
There are also concerns about China limiting Iran’s access to the jet’s software and systems. This could make it hard for Iran to modify or maintain the jets on its own. Iran’s past experience of reverse-engineering parts for its old F-14 jets may not be enough to handle these newer systems without help from China.
China Slams U.S. Over Iran Airstrikes—Calls Bunker Bomb Attack “Grave Violation of Sovereignty”
Iran’s regional rivals — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — are closely watching these developments. Israel already operates advanced F-35I Adir jets and may now look to buy even more. Saudi Arabia has F-15SA jets, and the UAE has bought Rafale fighters. The arrival of J-10Cs in Iran may push these countries to increase their own air power to stay ahead.
This shift in arms deals also shows China’s growing role in the Middle East. For years, the U.S. and Russia dominated weapons sales in the region. Now, China is offering cheaper, modern alternatives like the J-10C and JF-17, especially to countries that cannot access U.S. fighters like the F-35.