China’s J-10C fighter jet is drawing fresh interest after its reported combat debut during recent clashes between India and Pakistan. The aircraft, along with China’s PL-15 air-to-air missile, was used by Pakistan during a four-day military exchange earlier this month.
The conflict began on May 7, when Indian fighter jets carried out airstrikes on nine sites across six cities in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India said the operation targeted “terrorist infrastructure” following the April 22 killing of 25 Indian tourists and a local guide in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack. Pakistan denied any involvement.
Islamabad claimed that its air force shot down five Indian fighter jets on May 7, including several French-made Rafales. India has not confirmed any aircraft losses. A spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Defence said that “combat losses are part of any military operation,” but did not provide details.
Separately, CNN and Associated Press reported that at least two Indian aircraft were likely hit during the fighting, citing unnamed U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
Pakistan confirmed that it used J-10C fighters acquired from China during the engagements. The aircraft were reportedly armed with PL-15 missiles, a beyond-visual-range system with an estimated range exceeding 300 kilometers. The May 7 exchange marked the first known combat use of the J-10C.
J-10 is the result of China’s bold attempt in the 1980s to catch up and prove it could independently build a world-class fighter.
Tested in real combat, J-10C outdid the French-made Rafale and can now hold its head high in the global arena. #IndiaPakistanTensions pic.twitter.com/9a3FO2clwS— Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) May 7, 2025
Following the conflict, China’s state broadcaster CCTV re-released footage of a robotic missile production line for the PL-15E, the export version of the missile.
Originally aired in July 2024, the video showed robotic arms performing automated component installation, welding, and quality checks. Experts interviewed in the segment said the factory operates under China’s “intelligent manufacturing” system, enabling 24-hour unmanned production.
China disclosed the 100% automatic production line of the PL-15E missile as early as 2022. This line can operate 24 hours a day without human intervention. pic.twitter.com/PNgUqxLT3L
— Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) May 14, 2025
“Our flexible production line at the China Airborne Missile Academy enables automated component identification, installation, welding, and quality inspection,” said Yao Changhong, director at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. “Once the materials are ready and the software is set, the process runs automatically without the need for human intervention.”
The re-release, aired on May 9, came just hours after Pakistan’s claims about using the missile in combat.
India said that during retaliatory strikes on May 8, it targeted and disabled several Chinese-supplied air defense systems in Pakistan. Indian officials also reported recovering fragments of PL-15 missiles, which they presented as evidence of Chinese involvement in the conflict.
A fully intact Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab—clearly launched from a PAF jet, most likely a JF-17. It failed to detonate. pic.twitter.com/BME3n5blTg
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 9, 2025
Egypt is allegedly considering the Chinese J-10C fighter jet after its appearance in the Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air drill with China, the first such exercise between the two countries.
According to Eurasia Times, which cites South Korean media, Cairo’s interest in the J-10C comes as it remains in advanced talks with South Korea to acquire 100 FA-50 fighter jets, with technology transfer and local assembly included in the deal.
🇪🇬🇰🇷 Egypt and South Korea now final phase on massive FA-50 deal.
It includes some technology transfer and local assistment.
T-50/FA-50 series is stunning me everytime. pic.twitter.com/aFSwJyMa6T— Mason ヨンハク (@mason_8718) May 26, 2023
The FA-50 is a light multirole fighter known for affordability and compatibility with NATO systems. The J-10C is a heavier platform designed for high-threat environments, equipped with AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and a higher-thrust engine.
Pakistan remains the only confirmed foreign operator of the J-10C. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China supplied 81 percent of Pakistan’s total arms imports over the past five years. Pakistan also accounted for 63 percent of China’s total arms exports during the same period.
