Pakistan adds new Chinese jets to air force fleet

Prime Minister Imran Khan is seen in the cockpit of the Chinese J-10 C combat aircraft as he is briefed during the induction ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base in Kamra, Pakistan.

The Pakistan Air Force showed off yesterday the latest addition to its fleet, next-generation Chinese J-10 C fighter jets. It was not immediately clear how many aircraft Pakistan had bought or at what cost. A live TV telecast of the fly-past showed five new aircraft. Known as Vigorous Dragon, the J-10 C is a medium-weight, all-weather jet, according to Pakistani military analysts who say it will enhance combat capability, currently reliant on Chinese JF-17 Thunder jets, French Mirages and ageing US F-16s. The planes were inducted in a fly-past attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, services chiefs and Chinese officials. “It is a big addition to our defence system,” Khan said. “I am thankful to China on behalf of our nation for providing these jets in record time of eight months.” The fly-past came hours after Pakistan warned India of “unpleasant consequences” over what it said was an Indian-originated, but unidentified, high-altitude supersonic object that crashed in Pakistani territory on Thursday. India later stated that it was a missile that was accidentally fired into Pakistan due to a “technical malfunction” during routine malfunction (see lead report on page 9). The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars and numerous military clashes since independence from Britain in 1947, most recently in 2019 which saw the air forces engage in combat.