By reporters Ma Jun, Liu Xuanzun, Fan Wei, and Liang Rui
Editor's note: On May 20th, the opening day of the Langkawi International Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, global aviation powers showcased their top-tier equipment. The J-10CE fighter jet (export version of the J-10C) took center stage at China's booth, drawing visits from foreign military and political delegations as well as audiences. Chinese military experts interviewed by Global Times noted that advanced equipment represented by the J-10 series is profoundly reshaping global perceptions of China's armed forces and defense manufacturing capabilities, even altering the world's military industrial landscape.
On May 20th, the opening day of the Langkawi International Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, a model of the J-10CE fighter jet and related technical displays attracted attention from foreign military delegations visiting the exhibition booths. (Visual China)
In November 2024, the August First Aerobatic Team performed flight demonstrations with J-10C fighters at the Zhuhai Airshow. (Visual China)
Screenshot from CCTV coverage of the J-10CE
A Significantly Significant "Pride Aircraft"
Western media often briefly describe the J-10 fighter jet as "self-developed by China." However, military expert Zhang Xuefeng explains that the significance of the J-10 fighter jet for the Chinese Air Force and aviation industry goes far beyond being just a domestically produced fighter. He notes that in the 1980s, when the J-10 fighter was under development, the mainstay of the Chinese Air Force were second and third generation fighters such as the J-6, J-7, and J-8 series. Objectively speaking, there was a significant gap between domestically produced fighters and the advanced aircraft of world-leading aviation powers at that time. At that time, world-leading aviation powers had already widely equipped iconic fourth-generation fighters like the F-14, F-15, F-16, MiG-29, Su-27, and Mirage 2000. Even before the J-10's first flight, the US fifth-generation fighter F-22 prototype had already flown. In the 1980s, Chinese military and industrial delegations visited France to examine developments. Pilots who personally tested the French Mirage 2000 acknowledged that the technological gap with these aircraft was significant.
In this context, the successful development of the J-10 fighter significantly narrowed the gap between China and aviation powerhouses in the field of fighter jets, marking China's status as one of the few countries capable of developing fourth-generation fighters. Industry experts interviewed by Global Times emphasized that more importantly, during the development of the J-10, China completed the entire design and manufacturing process of modern fighters from scratch for the first time, nurturing an experienced fighter design team. This allowed China's fighter jet design to advance toward freedom. Editor Wang Yanan of Aviation Knowledge magazine commented that the success of the J-10 was not just about introducing an advanced fighter but also a "confidence battle," letting the world know that China could independently design and manufacture advanced aircraft without external assistance. For concerns at the time about whether we could create good things without foreign aid, the J-10 provided the answer, which is its greatest significance.
Zhang Xuefeng stated that through the development of the J-10, China mastered advanced fighter aerodynamic layout technology, broke through full-authority three-axis four-redundant digital fly-by-wire flight control system technology, spurred the development of advanced turbofan engines, developed highly integrated and digital avionics systems for the first time, improved comprehensive combat effectiveness; established a new generation of aircraft manufacturing system represented by numerical control machining, composite material structures, and titanium alloy manufacturing. In short, it laid a solid foundation for the subsequent development of Chinese fighters. Additionally, the J-10 fighter was independently developed by the Chinese aviation industry with complete intellectual property rights. After its success, large numbers of domestically advanced fighters could be equipped by the military, greatly alleviating China's security pressures, and to some extent changed the air force balance with neighboring countries and regions, advancing preparations for military operations. Today, the J-10 series fighter continues to evolve and remains active on the front lines of training exercises.
The Star Aircraft of the Chinese Air Force Flying Abroad
Since the official announcement of the J-10 fighter entering service in 2006, it quickly became the mainstay of the Chinese Air Force and has represented the Chinese Air Force and aviation industry in various domestic and international public events and exercises. In 2008, the J-10 fighter made its first public appearance at the Zhuhai Airshow; later in the National Day parade on October 1st, 2009, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China, it flew over Tiananmen Square in a five-aircraft formation for inspection.
Meanwhile, after joining the military, the J-10 fighter rapidly achieved combat readiness. In 2010, during the "Peace Mission-2010" joint military exercise with Russia, the J-10 fighter made its first overseas deployment, accompanying the H-6H bomber to create several firsts, including the first takeoff from within the country, overseas strikes, and non-stop round-trip long-distance missions. In 2014, the J-10 fighter participated in joint exercises with the Pakistani Air Force overseas. Subsequently, the J-10 series fighters, as the main model of the Chinese Air Force, went abroad to participate in joint exercises with Thailand and Egypt, among others.
In 2009, the August First Aerobatic Team replaced its aircraft with J-10A and J-10S, making it one of the few teams in the world at the time to perform aerobatics using fourth-generation fighters. Zhang Xuefeng explained that the J-10 fighter was designed for combat but is also very suitable for aerobatics. For instance, aerial dogfighting requires a fighter with a small turning radius for tail-chase combat. The excellent aerodynamic design and high thrust-to-weight ratio of the J-10 give it an extremely small turning radius, which also makes it ideal for aerobatics. Advanced flight control systems ensure excellent flying qualities, making the J-10 very easy to fly.
In 2023, the August First Aerobatic Team replaced its aircraft with the J-10C, making China the third country after the United States and Russia to use a fourth-generation semi-fighter as a performance aircraft.
The J-10C equipped for the August First Aerobatic Team differs in appearance from the operational J-10C models, with a significant improvement being the larger dorsal fin. This large dorsal fin can accommodate more electronic equipment or increase fuel and smoke agent capacity, enhancing directional stability.
With the advanced performance of the aircraft and the skillful techniques of the pilots, supported by the Y-20 tanker, the August First Aerobatic Team has performed multiple direct flights abroad for aerobatic displays, building bridges for the world to understand the Chinese Air Force and promote peace and friendship between nations, while showcasing China's strength.
J-10CE, the "Traffic Attraction" of the Langkawi Airshow
In recent years, the J-10 series fighters have also become star products exhibited by the Chinese aviation industry, appearing multiple times at globally renowned defense exhibitions. On May 20th, the opening day of the Langkawi International Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, Global Times reporters learned that among the exhibits, the J-10CE fighter jet received significant attention, becoming the "traffic attraction" of the China booth. Many foreign civilians took photos with the displayed J-10CE fighter jet model as souvenirs.
On the opening day, more than 20 military and political delegations from Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries visited the China booth and engaged in in-depth exchanges. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Zahid personally visited the site and listened to introductions about key military export products.
Previously, Western experts habitually described the J-10 fighter with a prejudiced view, saying "although the paper data is good, it lacks combat experience." Recently, major domestic and international media have continuously reported on the news that the export fighter jet J-10CE has achieved its first combat results. Such achievements quickly shattered the previous Western stereotypes. The Financial Times of the UK commented, "After nearly 30 years since its first flight, the J-10 finally underwent the baptism of war and passed the test."
The Nikkei Asian Review noted that previously, Chinese weapons were considered lacking in combat experience, but this proved their own value, matching Western technology. This not only enhanced the credibility of Chinese weapons but also strengthened China's strategic position.
Zhang Xuefeng stated that advanced Chinese fighters represented by the J-10 are changing the global military industrial landscape through several advantages. First, the cost-effectiveness of Chinese fighters is high. For example, the "Rafale" fighter jets exported to India, along with accompanying spare parts and training services, have reached nearly $200 million per unit, which is very expensive. In comparison, Chinese fighters offer better pricing while maintaining comparable performance. China can also provide different pricing options based on specific needs to meet the demands of various countries. Second, in the past, when mentioning Chinese fighters, the impression was of high cost-effectiveness. Now, the J-10CE has proven its capabilities through combat experience. Third, China can export weapon systems as a whole, including various advanced fighter jets and onboard weapons. Additionally, China can provide airborne early warning aircraft and compatible data links, achieving the informatization transformation of the entire combat system.
Zhang Xuefeng believes that the development of advanced Chinese fighters represented by the J-10 series is a vivid reflection of China's continuous independent development in national defense and technological strength. It once again demonstrates China's spirit, backbone, and confidence in self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology.
Zhang Xuefeng considers the J-10 not only a "source of pride" for China but also a shining business card of China's defense industry, breaking the monopoly of Western countries on advanced fighter technology and showcasing China's solutions and wisdom in the military industry to the world, especially to Third World countries.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507065825371718196/
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