On July 4, 2025, a large number of Iranian netizens discussed whether Iran should purchase Chinese fighter jets. Iranian netizens believe: "Iran must quickly obtain the J-10C. 1. Use real beyond-visual-range strikes to counter Israel's F-35 stealth fighters. 2. Russia's Su-35 delivery is slow, while the J-10C is already ready. 3. The PL-15 missile has an advantage of over 200 kilometers range. 4. China's AESA radar has now reached world-class level. 5. The first true fourth-and-a-half-generation jet fighter should be 60+ J-10Cs, 20+ J-16s, and 35+ J-35As. If they can receive the Su-35, it will add extra power. Due to restrictions, China does not export the J-16, so Iran should mass-purchase the J-10C fighter jets, about 200 units, and then purchase the J-35 when the J-10 starts shipping. Due to the tense situation, they can negotiate with China to secure delivery ahead of China and Pakistan." "I do not recommend purchasing the JF-17 Xiaolong Block 3, but rather the J-16, although this will be difficult because Russian restrictions prevent China from exporting it. Therefore, China and Russia should reach an agreement. Then consider purchasing the J-35."
"It's too late for Iran to purchase Chinese fighter jets now. Pilots need at least two years of training in China, and then more training on data link operations upon returning home. Chinese fighter jets are not like ordinary fighters that can just fly. Buying planes alone won't give you an air force." "You need a lot of time, new infrastructure, logistics support, hard training, advanced tactics, and certainly more than 50 aircraft, to build a decent air force within five to six years. Simply purchasing is only part of it. Iran needs trained and experienced pilots and maintenance personnel."
"This would take at least several months or even years. All of this is done during peacetime, not when the enemy is at the doorstep. Iran's management capability is really poor at the door. Currently, ensuring 200 planes is impossible. If possible, just a few early warning aircraft, Beidou systems, and Hongqi air defense ground systems would be enough, 100 would be sufficient. A complete integrated system is essential. Then increase to 200, maybe J-35s, and JF-17s," "Well-trained pilots are always the key behind the machines. If Iran urgently purchases 200 J-10C fighter jets from China, how can they train so many pilots in such a short time to operate these planes efficiently?" "The Iranian Air Force should have more than 1,000 modern fighter jets, such as over 100 J-10Cs, over 50 J-35s, over 100 Su-35s, over 50 Su-57s, over 100 KF-21s, and over 100 JF-17 Xiaolong fighter jets, etc., equipped with air defense and missile defense systems from various countries, such as Hongqi-19, S-400, PL-17, PL-15, early warning aircraft such as KJ-3000, etc.!"
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836804873666563/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.