Beijing, July 7 - Iran’s pursuit of advanced military hardware has taken a significant turn as it engages in high-level discussions with China to acquire the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jet, a platform dubbed the “Rafale Killer” for its reported combat prowess. This development, reported by multiple defense outlets, follows a bruising 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June 2025, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in Iran’s aging air force. The Islamic Republic’s fleet, primarily composed of Cold War-era American aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom, and F-5 Tiger, struggled to counter Israeli F-35I Adir stealth fighters and other advanced platforms during the conflict. Iran’s inability to scramble its jets or effectively intercept enemy aircraft underscored the urgent need for modernization, prompting Tehran to pivot toward Beijing after prolonged delays in a deal with Russia for Su-35 fighters.
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The J-10C, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, represents a significant upgrade for Iran’s air force. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and compatibility with the long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, the J-10C offers advanced avionics and multirole capabilities, including air superiority and ground attack missions. Its delta wing-canard configuration enhances agility in dogfights, while its electronic warfare systems provide resistance to jamming. The jet’s combat effectiveness was demonstrated by the Pakistan Air Force, which reportedly used it successfully in exercises and a brief conflict with India in May 2025, further boosting its appeal to Iran. Priced at approximately $40–50 million per unit, the J-10C is a cost-effective alternative to Western fighters like the F-16 or Rafale, making it an attractive option for a sanctions-hit Iran seeking to rebuild its air capabilities without breaking the bank.
Israel, alarmed by Iran’s potential acquisition of the J-10C, has urged China to restrain Tehran’s military ambitions, citing concerns over the regional balance of power. The Israeli Air Force, equipped with advanced F-35I, F-15I, and F-16I jets, maintains a qualitative edge, particularly due to the F-35’s stealth and sensor fusion capabilities. However, the J-10C’s AESA radar and PL-15 missiles could pose a threat to non-stealth platforms in contested airspace, especially if paired with Chinese airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), which Iran is also reportedly seeking. Such systems would enhance Iran’s situational awareness and coordination, potentially shifting dynamics in the Persian Gulf and Levant theaters.
The shift toward China comes after Russia’s failure to deliver on a 2023 agreement for 50 Su-35 jets, with only four reportedly delivered due to Moscow’s preoccupation with its war in Ukraine. Iran’s earlier attempts to acquire J-10Cs in 2015 were stalled by a UN arms embargo and China’s insistence on cash payments rather than Tehran’s proposed oil-and-gas barter. The lifting of U.S. sanctions on China’s purchase of Iranian oil in June 2025 has facilitated renewed negotiations, with Iran reportedly seeking 36 J-10Cs. This deal, if finalized, would mark a deepening of Tehran-Beijing defense ties, reflecting China’s growing role as a defense supplier in the Middle East. However, challenges remain. China’s reluctance to fully commit to large-scale arms exports to Iran stems from its strategic relations with Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which operate advanced Western platforms and view Iran as a regional rival. Beijing’s broader geopolitical calculus, including its efforts to stabilize relations with Washington, may limit its willingness to supply Iran with advanced weaponry. For Iran, reliance on Chinese technology carries risks, such as potential restrictions on software updates and maintenance support, which could hinder long-term operational independence. Despite these hurdles, the J-10C offers Iran a viable path to modernize its air force, signaling a strategic reorientation toward China as Tehran seeks to counter Israel’s air superiority and bolster its regional influence.