China hopes to sell J-10C fighter jets in Middle East as aerobatics team heads for Dubai Airshow

China is looking to expand its market in the Middle East by showcasing its J-10C fighter jets at the upcoming Dubai Airshow. These seven multi-role jet fighters are part of the Chinese air force's August 1st Aerobatics Team. They departed from an undisclosed airport in western China, heading for the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. This marks the J-10C's debut in the Middle East since its major upgrade in 2018. The J-10C, also known as the Vigorous Dragon, is often compared to the US F-16 multi-role fighter. The Dubai Airshow, which begins on Monday, will feature the August 1st Aerobatics Team for the first time since 2017.

While the US remains the leading weapons exporter globally, China is emerging as a viable alternative. China offers advanced weapons at more affordable prices and without political strings attached. This approach has piqued the interest of Middle Eastern countries in recent years. For instance, Egypt has shown interest in the J-10C as part of its efforts to diversify its suppliers. Algeria has already purchased several Chinese corvettes, missiles, and drones. Saudi Arabia is reportedly in discussions to acquire unmanned aerial vehicles and air defence systems.

The J-10, known as the 'Firebird' to Nato, is a medium-weight single-engine jet fighter capable of all-weather operations. It was first introduced to the Chinese air force in 2005, marking China's first domestically produced advanced jet fighter. The latest model, the J-10C, was commissioned in 2018 and is equipped with an advanced electronic warfare system, infrared tracking target system, and active electronically scanned array radars. The newest model also features a more powerful WS-10B engine and PL-15 air-to-air missiles. The Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the manufacturer of the jet, has made modifications to the jet fighter to make it more attractive to foreign buyers. In 2020, Pakistan became its first foreign buyer with an order of 25 J-10Cs, followed by an additional order of 11 planes the next year. They have received 20 of the fighters over the past two years. The August 1st Aerobatics Team transitioned to the upgraded version in May. That same month, the team made its first overseas appearance in the new planes at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, where a delegation from the Egyptian air force met with representatives of the manufacturers.