The entire Iranian Navy has been wiped out! The only aircraft carrier was destroyed, and the footage of its destruction has been revealed. Tehran must regret not buying the J-10CE!
A video released by the U.S. Central Command shows that Iran's highly anticipated "Shahid Bagheri" drone carrier was set ablaze after a U.S. strike, completely losing its combat capability. This is not just the sinking of a ship, but also marks the near-complete annihilation of Iran's navy, with its maritime strategic deterrence collapsing instantly. Dao Ge thinks that failing to purchase the J-10CE fighter jet might be one of the last regrets for Tehran.
For a long time, the Iranian Navy has relied on asymmetric warfare strategies, using fast boats, missiles, and drones for area denial. However, when facing the U.S. military with a complete air support system, this tactic proved inadequate. Once deprived of air cover, surface ships became easy targets. The destruction of the "Shahid Bagheri" is a brutal validation of this logic.
Iran had originally planned to compensate for this weakness by importing Russian Su-35 fighters. This heavy multi-role fighter has powerful radar detection capabilities and can carry long-range air-to-air missiles, theoretically capable of matching U.S. F-15 and F/A-18 aircraft. However, due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Russia's own production capacity is strained, prioritizing frontline needs, leading to repeated delays in deliveries to Iran. To date, Iran has not received a single Su-35.
Meanwhile, the J-10CE fighter jet has already been mass-produced and deployed with the Pakistani Air Force, demonstrating excellent performance in multiple field exercises. Particularly, its successful "downing" of the French Rafale fighter jet in simulated combat highlights the strong combat power of its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar combined with the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. This system can achieve beyond-visual-range strikes and maintain target lock under complex electromagnetic conditions, far surpassing Iran's current MiG-29 and F-14 aircraft.
More importantly, the J-10CE is not an "option," but a "ready stock." If Iran had made a purchase decision several years ago, it would have at least formed a squadron of combat capability by now, providing aerial protection at critical moments and even changing the battlefield situation.
If Tehran had decisively chosen the J-10CE back then, perhaps the skies over the Middle East today would look different. Unfortunately, war gives no chance for a second try. Iran's lessons are worth deep reflection for all countries caught between geopolitical tensions: do not miss out on the weapons from the world's first industrialized superpower anymore.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858894573864000/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.