After the reported downing of multiple Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on May 7, Chinese state media CCTV has aired a new documentary praising the J-10C fighter jet and confirming its first-ever combat victory in a real battle.
Chinese Documentary Highlights J-10C’s Combat Debut
The documentary, aired by China Central Television (CCTV), delves into the development, technological breakthroughs, and battlefield debut of the J-10CE, the export variant of the J-10C. The programme makes direct reference to the recent Pakistan-India dogfight, stating that the J-10CE shot down several foreign aircraft without sustaining any losses — a milestone for the aircraft.
The military report states:
“The J-10CE recently shot down foreign aircraft in a real battle, and this is the first combat success of this aircraft.”
The documentary aired shortly after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed lawmakers that three Indian Rafale jets and other fighters were shot down by J-10C aircraft during aerial combat over Kashmir. A French official later acknowledged the loss of one Rafale, though India has yet to confirm the incident publicly.
Inside the Documentary: Development and Innovation
The documentary also traces the J-10’s development history, beginning in the 1980s, when China sought to catch up with American and Soviet air technology. The design work began in 1982 under aerospace pioneer Song Wencong at the 611 Institute (now Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group).China’s aviation experts overcame major technological barriers without relying on foreign blueprints. The first J-10 was completed in 1997, a feat hailed as a “miracle in air defence history.”
J-10C Fighter Jet: Features and Capabilities
The J-10C, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, comes equipped with:
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
- Reduced radar cross-section
- Advanced avionics systems
- PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles
According to Global Times, military expert Zhang Xuefeng emphasized that through the J-10 program, China made major breakthroughs in flight control systems, aerodynamic design, and engine development.
Pakistan’s Growing Arsenal and China’s Defence Support
Currently, China accounts for 81% of Pakistan’s defence imports (2020–2024), including the J-10C, PL-15 missiles, and JF-17 Thunder jets.
The inclusion of the J-10C in PAF’s combat fleet significantly boosts its regional air superiority — a fact underlined by its performance during the May 7 incident.
J-10C on Display at Langkawi Exhibition
The J-10C is also on display at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia, where it has attracted international praise for its combat capabilities and advanced technology.
