China capturing Middle Eastern market of advanced fighter jets
China is rapidly expanding its footprint in the
global combat aircraft export market, driven by three active fighter programmes
— the fifth-generation FC-31, the fourth-generation Chengdu J-10C, and the
jointly developed JF-17 Thunder.
A recent assessment by the US Department of Defense
highlights how these platforms are strengthening Beijing’s position as a
competitive military aerospace supplier. The report points to rising
international interest in Chinese fighters as cost-effective and politically
less restrictive alternatives to Western aircraft, a trend supported by
expanding production capacity, fewer export limitations, and steady
improvements in avionics, weapons integration and stealth technology.
Expanding Aerospace Capabilities
China’s military aviation sector is undergoing
rapid growth, with simultaneous development of crewed fighters, uncrewed
systems and naval aviation assets. According to an unclassified Pentagon report
to Congress, Beijing is increasingly aligning domestic force modernisation with
export-oriented production.
While offering limited new detail on
individual People’s
Liberation Army programmes, the report confirms the emergence of two
stealth aircraft with novel tailless configurations — informally referred to as
the J-36 and J-XDS — designed to reduce radar signatures and improve
survivability against advanced air defence systems.
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Other developments include the land-based J-35A fifth-generation fighter and the J-15D carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft. The assessment also references a new airborne early warning and control platform derived from the Y-20B transport aircraft, intended to enhance detection and tracking of stealth targets and signalling China’s growing focus on counter-stealth operations.
Naval Aviation Momentum
One of the most strategically significant
disclosures in the report is China’s ambition to operate six aircraft carriers
by 2035, which would raise its total carrier fleet to nine. The Fujian, China’s
most advanced carrier, began sea trials in May, while satellite imagery
suggests progress on a fourth carrier, widely believed to feature nuclear
propulsion. At least one additional conventionally powered carrier is also
thought to be under development.
If realised, these plans would narrow the
numerical gap with the US Navy’s 11 active nuclear-powered supercarriers and
substantially expand China’s ability to conduct sustained carrier-based air
operations.
FC-31: A Stealth Export Contender
For foreign customers, the Pentagon identifies
the Shenyang FC-31 as China’s most ambitious fighter export offering. Although
no confirmed international orders had been secured by May 2025, Egypt, Saudi
Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are cited as potential buyers.
The FC-31 first flew in 2012, followed by a
significantly redesigned prototype in 2016. Development has since prioritised
the carrier-capable J-35 for the PLA Navy and the land-based J-35A. Despite
this domestic focus, exports remain a key objective, as the original FC-31
design was primarily intended for the international market.
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Notably, Pakistan is absent from the Pentagon’s list of potential FC-31 customers, despite earlier indications of interest in a land-based variant — an omission that stands out given Islamabad’s long-standing defence partnership with Beijing.
Middle East Market Dynamics
Interest from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE
reflects broader regional demand for advanced combat aircraft amid shifting
procurement strategies. Egypt previously sought to acquire Russian Su-35s, but
the deal stalled following US sanctions threats, with some aircraft reportedly
redirected to Algeria.
Saudi Arabia faces a complex fighter
acquisition environment, with Eurofighter Typhoon purchases delayed and
discussions involving Dassault Rafale, Boeing’s F-15EX and potential access to
the F-35A. Exporting stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia or the UAE would mark a
significant policy shift for Washington, making the FC-31 an appealing
alternative.
The UAE had earlier approved a $23.37 billion
arms package that included 50 F-35As, but later expressed reservations over
strict safeguards aimed at limiting Chinese access to sensitive technologies.
J-10C: Combat-Tested and Actively Promoted
The Chengdu J-10C has so far been exported
exclusively to Pakistan, which has ordered 36 aircraft since 2020, with 20
delivered. The fighter gained combat exposure during recent India–Pakistan
clashes, drawing attention to its performance and integration with the PL-15
long-range air-to-air missile.
China has actively highlighted these
engagements to market the aircraft internationally. Several countries —
including Egypt, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Iran and Bangladesh — have shown
interest, although many are simultaneously evaluating Western alternatives.
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Iran and the JF-17 Factor
Iran may represent a stronger potential market
for Chinese fighters. Years of sanctions and embargoes have left its air force
reliant on ageing platforms, while efforts to acquire Russian Su-35s have yet
to yield results. In this context, the J-10C could provide a pathway to partial
fleet renewal, subject to political and logistical constraints.
Meanwhile, the JF-17 Thunder — co-developed
with Pakistan — remains China’s most commercially successful fighter export. As
of 2024, confirmed operators include Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Nigeria,
with Iraq reportedly in discussions. Later variants feature improved avionics,
including AESA radar, enhancing their appeal beyond basic light fighter roles.
Looking Ahead
Beyond crewed aircraft, China is advancing
rapidly in uncrewed combat systems, pursuing concepts similar to the US
Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme that enable manned–unmanned teaming.
These capabilities could complement platforms such as the FC-31 and J-10C,
extending advanced airpower concepts to smaller air forces.
With three distinct fighter platforms spanning
multiple capability and price segments, China is positioning itself to compete
more effectively at the upper end of the global combat aircraft market.
Securing an FC-31 export order would mark a major breakthrough, potentially
lowering unit costs and accelerating wider adoption.
Taken
together, these trends suggest China’s role as a global supplier of combat
aircraft will continue to expand, reshaping competition in markets long
dominated by Western manufacturers.
Source: https://aviationa2z.com/