Pakistan’s deployment of the Chinese-made J-10C in the conflict marks a significant moment, downing an Indian Rafale fighter jet
By Uzma Ehtasham
KARACHI: The recent conflict between Pakistan and India has had a far-reaching impact on military dynamics in the region, notably increasing the demand for Chinese fighter jets. Media reports indicate that Egypt, following an 18-day joint military exercise with China last week, has expressed significant interest in acquiring Chinese-made warplanes.
Experts believe that this development could have profound implications for the balance of power in the Middle East, where military alliances and defense technologies are increasingly shaping geopolitical alignments. The conflict between Pakistan and India has brought the capabilities of Chinese military hardware, particularly the J-10C fighter jet, into sharp focus.
The Chinese-made J-10C, which Pakistan deployed for the first time in this conflict, made a striking impact by successfully downing an Indian Rafale fighter jet. This achievement has not only highlighted the effectiveness of Chinese jets but also served as a powerful showcase of the country’s growing military prowess.
A Chinese military expert, quoted in a British journal, referred to the success of the J-10C as a remarkable promotional tool for Chinese military technology. The performance of the J-10C in such a high-stakes environment has effectively enhanced its reputation on the global stage, positioning Chinese-made jets as a competitive alternative to Western military hardware.
Yun Sun, a military expert at the Stimson Center in Washington, pointed out that the success of the J-10C in combat is more than just a tactical victory. It acts as an invaluable advertisement for Chinese military technology, further solidifying China’s role as a key player in the global arms market. The use of the J-10C has raised questions about the future of military technology in conflict zones, with Chinese arms potentially shifting regional power structures.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a staggering 81% of Pakistan’s military equipment is of Chinese origin, which includes a formidable fleet of over 400 fighter jets. This growing dependence on Chinese military technology not only underscores China’s increasing influence over Pakistan’s defense capabilities but also signals the expanding reach of Chinese-made weapons in global markets, particularly in regions like the Middle East and South Asia.
