Tehran, June 30 - Iran’s air force, long reliant on aging American-made aircraft from the pre-1979 era, faces a critical juncture as it seeks to modernize its fleet amid escalating regional tensions. For years, Tehran has pursued advanced fighter jets to bolster its air defenses, with a 2023 agreement to acquire Russian Su-35 “Flanker-E” jets appearing as a cornerstone of this effort. However, more than two years after the deal was finalized, only four of the promised 50 Su-35s have been delivered, with reports indicating that Russia has prioritized its own military needs in Ukraine or redirected aircraft to other buyers, such as Algeria. This delay has frustrated Iranian officials, prompting a strategic pivot toward China and its Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jet, a combat-tested 4.5-generation multirole aircraft that could reshape Iran’s aerial capabilities and alter its geopolitical alignments.
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The Su-35, equipped with advanced Irbis-E radar and AL-41F1S engines, was intended to serve as the backbone of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Its supermaneuverability and long-range R-37M missiles promised a significant upgrade over Iran’s outdated F-14 Tomcats and F-4 Phantoms. Yet, Russia’s inability or unwillingness to fulfill the contract has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s reliance on Moscow. The ongoing war in Ukraine has strained Russia’s defense industry, limiting its capacity to export advanced systems. By March 2025, reports confirmed that Su-35s originally earmarked for Iran had been diverted elsewhere, leaving Tehran searching for alternatives.
Enter China’s J-10C, a single-engine multirole fighter often compared to the American F-16V or Sweden’s Gripen E. Priced between $60 million and $90 million per unit, depending on configuration, the J-10C offers a cost-effective solution with advanced features, including KLJ-7A AESA radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. Its performance in recent conflicts, notably Pakistan’s use of the J-10CE against Indian Rafale and Mirage jets in May 2025, has bolstered its reputation. The aircraft’s agility, affordability, and China’s reliable supply chain make it an attractive option for Iran, which seeks to rapidly replenish a fleet decimated by losses in a 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June 2025. That war, marked by Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” exposed the IRIAF’s obsolescence, with advanced F-35I stealth fighters overwhelming Iran’s aging air defenses.
Iran’s interest in the J-10C is not new. Discussions with China began in 2015 for up to 150 jets, but the deal stalled due to payment disputes and a UN arms embargo. Tehran offered oil and gas barter payments, while Beijing insisted on hard currency. The lifting of U.S. sanctions on China’s purchase of Iranian oil in June 2025 has removed a key barrier, facilitating renewed negotiations. Recent high-level talks, including a visit by Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh to Beijing, signal Tehran’s urgency. Reports suggest a potential contract for 40 J-10C jets, possibly alongside HQ-16 air defense systems, as part of a broader military cooperation agreement. This shift carries significant implications. Opting for Chinese jets diversifies Iran’s defense partnerships, reducing dependence on an increasingly unreliable Russia. It also strengthens China’s foothold in the Middle East, challenging Western dominance in the arms trade. The J-10C’s advanced systems offer Iran a credible counter to regional rivals like Israel, though sustaining these jets will depend on Beijing’s long-term support. While the J-10C lacks the Su-35’s raw power, its affordability and proven performance make it a pragmatic choice for a nation desperate to rebuild its air force.