Pakistan receives second batch of Chinese J-10C generation 4++ fighters
Pakistani media reports that the country's armed forces have received a new batch of Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighters.
Here's What We Know
The J-10C is considered the best aircraft in service with Pakistan's air force. The second batch, like the first, includes six fighters. Thus, China has already sent a total of 12 of the 25 aircrafts.
Pakistani local media (92 news) has confirmed the delivery of additional (2nd Batch) 6x J-10C to Pakistan Air Force, which takes total delivered J-10C to 12.
- Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) September 18, 2022
Earlier serial no. 22-101 to 22-106 (6x J-10C) were delivered, now if report is correct it will be 22-107 to 22-112 ???? ???????? pic.twitter.com/q3yuZ8rBRS
The export value of the aircraft is around $40 million, but it is not specified on what terms the contract between Islamabad and Beijing was signed. The agreement was signed at the end of 2021. The first batch of fighters arrived in Pakistan last spring.
Flashback
The Chengdu J-10C, known as the J-10CE, is China's Generation 4++ fighter jet. The developer and manufacturer of the aircraft is Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. The aircraft made its first flight in the spring of 1998, but it had to wait 17 years to be put into service. Production began in 2002.
J-10C has maximum takeoff weight of 19,277 kg. Cruising speed is 1,110 km/h (M=0.93) and maximum speed is almost 2,500 km/h (M=2). The aircraft can climb to an altitude of 18 km. Practical range without refueling is 2000 km.
The fighter has 11 points of suspension. Combat load can reach 7260 kg. J-10C can carry air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, guided and unguided bombs and has a twin-barreled cannon of 23 mm caliber.
Source: @ForumStrategic
Image: @PakPMO
