NEW DELHI: Pakistan‘s Chinese-Origin J-10C fighter jets, recently inducted into its air force, are participating in a major aerial exercise alongside the Eurofighter Typhoons of the Qatar Emiri Air Force. This event marks the first instance of these Chinese-origin J-10C aircraft being tested in such a scenario, the Eurasian Times said in a report.
The joint air exercises, named Zilzal-II and hosted by Qatar, commenced on January 10, 2024.These exercises are designed to simulate realistic aerial combat scenarios, testing the operational readiness of both air forces. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has highlighted the complexity of these drills, emphasizing their role in enhancing interoperability and mutual learning between the two allied nations.
A statement from the PAF underscored the significance of the J-10C’s participation, noting it as a milestone in their pursuit of a technologically superior and formidable air force. The rapid acquisition and deployment of these advanced fighters underscore the PAF’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge force, capable of addressing evolving challenges and effectively safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace.
Both the J-10C and the Eurofighter Typhoon are equipped with state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array radars and have the capability to employ beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The Eurofighter employs the MBDA Meteor missile, while the J-10C is equipped with the export version of the PL-15 missile.
Zilzal-II builds upon the foundation laid by the first Zilzal exercise in 2020, which aimed to reinforce the defense collaboration between Pakistan and Qatar. The current exercise is seen as a platform for fostering greater understanding, cooperation, and friendship between the two air forces, contributing to regional stability and security.
The acquisition of the J-10C by Pakistan is viewed as a strategic counter to India’s procurement of the Rafale fighter jet. Experts from both China and Pakistan have positioned the J-10C as a formidable competitor to the Indian Air Force’s Rafale.
As per the Eurasian Times, the J-10C, classified as a 4.5-generation medium-size fighter jet, represents an advancement over the JF-17, a lightweight fighter jet developed jointly by China and Pakistan. The JF-17 fleet has reportedly faced operational challenges, particularly in maintenance, due to US sanctions affecting the availability of spare parts.
This exercise is expected to provide valuable insights into the capabilities and effectiveness of the J-10C in comparison to other advanced fighter aircraft.
The joint air exercises, named Zilzal-II and hosted by Qatar, commenced on January 10, 2024.These exercises are designed to simulate realistic aerial combat scenarios, testing the operational readiness of both air forces. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has highlighted the complexity of these drills, emphasizing their role in enhancing interoperability and mutual learning between the two allied nations.
A statement from the PAF underscored the significance of the J-10C’s participation, noting it as a milestone in their pursuit of a technologically superior and formidable air force. The rapid acquisition and deployment of these advanced fighters underscore the PAF’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge force, capable of addressing evolving challenges and effectively safeguarding Pakistan’s airspace.
Both the J-10C and the Eurofighter Typhoon are equipped with state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array radars and have the capability to employ beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The Eurofighter employs the MBDA Meteor missile, while the J-10C is equipped with the export version of the PL-15 missile.
Zilzal-II builds upon the foundation laid by the first Zilzal exercise in 2020, which aimed to reinforce the defense collaboration between Pakistan and Qatar. The current exercise is seen as a platform for fostering greater understanding, cooperation, and friendship between the two air forces, contributing to regional stability and security.
The acquisition of the J-10C by Pakistan is viewed as a strategic counter to India’s procurement of the Rafale fighter jet. Experts from both China and Pakistan have positioned the J-10C as a formidable competitor to the Indian Air Force’s Rafale.
As per the Eurasian Times, the J-10C, classified as a 4.5-generation medium-size fighter jet, represents an advancement over the JF-17, a lightweight fighter jet developed jointly by China and Pakistan. The JF-17 fleet has reportedly faced operational challenges, particularly in maintenance, due to US sanctions affecting the availability of spare parts.
This exercise is expected to provide valuable insights into the capabilities and effectiveness of the J-10C in comparison to other advanced fighter aircraft.