[Military Second Plane] Author: Lele

On May 22nd, the Bulgarian military website "bulgarianmilitary" made a brief statement on the participation of J-10CE in the Langkawi Airshow in Malaysia and its focus as the on-site highlight due to the rumored shootdown of a "Rafale" fighter. The article concluded by stating that "J-10CE has an unquestionable advantage over its peers and is reshaping the global landscape".

▲The "bulgarianmilitary" website did not hesitate to praise J-10CE.

The article pointed out that all configurations of J-10CE have reached the peak level of fourth-generation semi-aircraft globally, specifically including: domestically produced WS-10B engine, active phased array radar, high-performance IRST system, and配套霹雳-15E and霹雳-10E air-to-air missiles. These onboard devices are no less impressive than the latest version of F-16V, and compared with European "Eurofighter Typhoon", "Rafale", and "Gripen", they possess performance advantages verified through actual combat. Coupled with the single aircraft price of only $60 million (excluding accompanying equipment, weapons, and training services), the economic advantage is significant, and it has already achieved "advantageous status" in substance.

▲The level of J-10C is indeed impressive.

In the perspective of "bulgarianmilitary", the practical achievements of J-10CE have begun to influence the ideas of Southeast Asian countries —— the large number of people gathering around J-10CE at the airshow, including Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, is the most obvious evidence. In fact, Malaysia is currently purchasing additional fighters, with options including South Korea's FA-50 and second-hand F/A-18 from Kuwait, where the former has been confirmed while the latter is still under consideration. The key point is that, at a slightly higher price, J-10CE's combat capability and service life far exceed these two fighters. At the very least, Malaysia "needs to seriously consider the possibility of procuring J-10CE instead of directly giving up as before".

▲The advantage of FA-50 lies in its affordability, even cheaper than J-10CE.

Regarding the rumors that Indonesia plans to abandon the "Rafale" and instead study J-10CE, which also holds a special position in Southeast Asia, it was also mentioned in the article. Of course, the article focused most on the recent widely-discussed "export of J-10CE to Colombia". For this situation where reputation spread overnight worldwide and even the "backyard of the United States" South America reacted, the "bulgarianmilitary" website gave high praise, believing that even if the deal ultimately fails to materialize, it means that "J-10CE has broken through numerous obstacles and is standing at the door of the South American market, and will eventually step in one day".

▲The significance of J-10CE lies in its promising future.

In addition, the exhibits brought by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) were clearly carefully prepared: FC-31, J-10CE, L-15, and Wing Loong-2, all four of which have completed domestication, covering stealth, fourth-generation semi-aircraft, advanced trainer aircraft, and UAVs. For countries that do not pursue high-end air combat systems and temporarily do not consider AWACS aircraft, this is already an excellent choice, providing a mature system that can be obtained at hand and even leaving room for future upgrades. Advanced performance, reasonable price, and great upgrade potential are advantages that J-10CE originally had, and now, catalyzed by a practical combat achievement, its potential has been fully unleashed.

▲The influence of J-10CE with practical combat results is completely different.

"bulgarianmilitary" website expressed concern that "the fighter supply system previously dominated by the West now sees the entry of J-10CE; even if only a few countries choose it, it will be enough to influence the situation of the entire region", as vividly demonstrated in the India-Pakistan conflict. To put it bluntly, practical combat results are the best advertisement. The deeper "Rafale" was hyped before, the harder it falls now, and the greater the benefits for J-10CE. The only issue is that fighter jet sales are significant matters and cannot be easily changed. Even if Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries look favorably upon J-10CE, there is a low probability of them switching to purchase in the short term.

▲J-10CE successfully gained fame this time.

However, as long as the impression is left that J-10CE is impressive and the export system of AVIC is outstanding, buyers will eventually come knocking —— even if J-10CE, due to its late debut, may not achieve great results, this invisible legacy can be passed on to J-35E.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507501384959345192/

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.