DefenseIran's Air Force linked to rumors of Chinese J-10CE fighter jet deal
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), strained after recent Israeli airstrikes and burdened by a decades-old fleet, may be eyeing the Chinese Chengdu J-10CE as a rapid solution to its aerial vulnerability.
The speculation follows a visit to Beijing by Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, reportedly to explore the acquisition of J-10CE fighters, already in service with Pakistan and China.
The Chinese aircraft gained credibility after the Pakistan-India conflict. A J-10CE equipped with KLJ-7A AESA radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles shot down a Dassault Rafale fighter, Pakistani officials claimed.
Iran had previously announced plans to purchase Sukhoi Su-35 fighters from Russia, but no deliveries have been confirmed.
Iran’s air force remains heavily reliant on aging platforms, including F-4 Phantoms, F-14 Tomcats, F-5s, MiG-29s, and Su-24s, many of which are nearly half a century old.
Despite Iran’s reputation for keeping the F-14 operational without U.S. support, analysts warn the fleet is increasingly vulnerable, especially under the threat of Israeli air power.
Despite the rumors, some analysts doubt the IRIAF’s ability to establish a reasonable fleet of fighters capable of defending the country against Israeli attacks, whose air force has jets such as the F-15 Eagle and the F-35 Lightning II.
However, even a small batch of J-10CEs could have tactical significance. Operating within Iran’s integrated air defense system, they could enhance surface-to-air missile efficiency through sensor fusion. Armed with long-range missiles, they could also target support assets like Israeli aerial refueling tankers—key to extended-range operations.
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