US EditionIran Pivots Toward China, But Is Beijing Ready To Play Ball?
IRAN, JUN 29 – Iran seeks to modernize its air force with up to 40 Chinese J-10C jets after Russian Su-35 deliveries stalled; the J-10C offers advanced radar and missile capabilities at lower cost.
- Iran is intensifying efforts in 2025 to acquire 36 Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighter jets amid setbacks with Russian military deals.
- This shift follows delays and minimal delivery from Russia on its 2023 contract for 50 Su-35 jets and stalled negotiations due to payment and sanction issues.
- The J-10C, a cost-effective 4.5-generation fighter compatible with advanced PL-15 missiles, represents a potential modernization for Iran's aging air force, which fared poorly during last month's Israeli-American air campaign.
- Farzan Sabet concluded that Tehran lacks viable foreign military partners, as Russia's support remains largely diplomatic and China's realpolitik limits meaningful military aid despite ongoing arms exports worldwide.
- Iran's pivot to China signals strategic isolation and urgency to rebuild its air capabilities, but persistent obstacles suggest its defense upgrade plans face considerable uncertainty.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Russia, Iran or Pakistan, why China backs those needling neighbours into conflicts: It’s arms business
From Russia to Pakistan, China has emerged as the primary profiteer of conflicts as it has been exploiting new market for its arms exports with every new conflict in various parts of the world from Europe to Asia and Africa.
Iran Pivots Toward China, But Is Beijing Ready To Play Ball?
After a devastating war with Israel exposed the weakness of its air force, Iran is reportedly turning to China for advanced military hardware. But Beijing’s reluctance -- and Moscow’s inaction -- highlight the limits of Tehran’s alliances and the depth of its strategic isolation.
Iran set to buy Chinese J-10C fighter jets after Israeli drubbing
Iran is reportedly turning to China's J-10C fighter jets after its air force was left grounded during Israeli and American airstrikes. It exposed sanction-battered Tehran's ageing fleet. The move to procure the same Chengdu J-10C jets, which are compatible with the PL-15 missiles which Pakistan recently used against India, follows delays in Russia's delivery of Su-35s.
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