According to reports from many Asian media, Islamabad's top government spheres have leaked that they are back in talks with China for the purchase of thirty 4.5-generation Chengdu J-10CE aircraft with related shorted PL-10 air-to-air missiles. range and long range PL-15.
The aircraft, in export version, is equipped with Chinese-made AESA radar, IRST and NPO Saturn AL-31FN M1 engine instead of the WS-10 Tailhang of the Beijing C version. The Chengdu J-10CE represents an excellent transition solution for the Pakistan Air Force capable of having a carrier capable of carrying the most modern Chinese air-to-air missiles awaiting deliveries of the first JF 17A Block III equipped with AESA NRIET KLJ radar -7A.
Following the incident of Balakot, the Pakistani leaders have noted the need to equip themselves with long-range air-to-air missiles as a deterrent to avoid Indian incursions into their territory, to be placed alongside the AIM120C-5, whose use is, however, conditional. The arrival of the new Chinese missiles, in particular the PL-15s, with a range of over 300km, will allow Pakistani interceptors to engage any intruders over a long distance without, however, entering the range of the missiles supplied to the aircraft of the Indian Air Force (Astra 100km, I-Derby 60km, Mica 80km, R-77 110km), even keeping the Meteor, which are, at the moment, exclusively supplied to the Gust.
The Chengdu J-10CEs would form the front line of the PAF (Pakistan Air Force) alongside the JF-17A, F-16A / C and would allow the gradual withdrawal of the old Mirage III ROSE, The Mirage, 5PA and F-7PG making up 7 squadrons out of the 16 total combat of the air force. The limitations on the use of F-16s and the difficult relations with Washington have pushed Pakistan to increasingly strengthen its collaboration with its historic Chinese ally by aiming for collaborations and joint projects aimed at keeping pace with the common historic enemy of India.
The arrival of the Flurry and the purchase of additional Su-30MKI and Mig-29UPG by the IAF (Indian Air Force) does not seem to upset the PAF too much by virtue of their superior air capacity.
Photo: Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China
