In the wake of Pakistan’s successful use of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets against Indian aircraft, China’s state-run television network CCTV has aired a documentary highlighting the combat debut and battlefield success of the J-10C.
The documentary confirms that during a recent spike in India-Pakistan aerial tensions, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) employed the J-10C fighter jet to shoot down three Indian Rafale jets in a dogfight on May 7, a move widely seen as a major military and strategic milestone for both China and Pakistan.
According to CCTV’s military report, the export variant J-10CE “recently downed foreign aircraft in a real combat scenario, marking its first-ever confirmed kill in active warfare.” The broadcast emphasized how the incident showcased the fighter jet’s advanced performance and battle-readiness.
The J-10C: China’s 4.5 Generation Multi-Role Powerhouse
Equipped with advanced AESA radar, low radar cross-section design, cutting-edge avionics, and long-range PL-15 missiles, the J-10C is a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft. First inducted into China’s air force in 2003, the aircraft has been steadily upgraded, with its latest variant now in service with the PAF.
The documentary traces the J-10’s development back to the 1980s, when China aimed to close the technological gap with American and Soviet aircraft. The first J-10 prototype was completed in 1997, and Chinese analysts have since described it as “a miracle in the history of air defence.”
Strategic Partnership on Display
Pakistan, which has emerged as the largest recipient of Chinese defence exports, now receives over 80% of its military hardware from China. This includes not just the J-10C, but also the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles, giving the PAF a significant edge in regional aerial combat capabilities.
Global Spotlight at Langkawi Air Show
The J-10C’s combat credibility has added weight to its display at the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia, where it has drawn international attention for its blend of affordability, modern tech, and operational success.
With both Chinese and Pakistani officials hailing the joint military success, the J-10C is being viewed as a game-changer in South Asia’s shifting air power dynamics.
