Iran has entered high-level talks with China to acquire J-10C multirole fighter jets and advanced AWACS equipment, marking a significant shift in Tehran’s defense procurement strategy. The move comes after protracted delays in the delivery of Russian Su-35 fighters, which had been anticipated since early 2023.
This development suggests a recalibration of Iran’s air force modernization plans, aligning with Beijing’s growing influence in the region and a deeper Sino-Iranian military cooperation. As reported by Army Recognition, the negotiations underscore Tehran’s urgency to address its outdated combat fleet while countering regional rivals like Israel.
Iran’s push to modernize its aerial capabilities follows years of stagnation in fleet upgrades. Its current air force remains heavily reliant on aging American-made F-14, F-5, and F-4 aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution. The absence of the long-awaited Russian Su-35s—for which Iran had reportedly already completed payment—has exposed a gap in Tehran’s strategic planning and highlighted Russia’s declining reliability as a military partner.
At the same time, China has steadily become a more prominent supplier for Iran, delivering air defense systems, UAV technology, and naval equipment over the past two decades. The shift toward Chinese platforms is not only a matter of hardware but also a reflection of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Iran Seeks to Offset Israeli Air Superiority
According to Army Recognition, Tehran’s interest in the Chengdu J-10C stems from its need to field a platform capable of challenging Israel’s regional air dominance, particularly its fleet of F-35I Adir stealth fighters. While the J-10C does not match the F-35I in stealth and sensor fusion, its onboard AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missiles, and electronic warfare capabilities make it a formidable 4.5-generation competitor.
The Iranian military assesses that the J-10C’s multirole flexibility could pose credible threats to Israel’s F-15I Ra’am and F-16I Sufa platforms, especially when paired with Chinese AWACS support. The added situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities could allow Iranian forces to better coordinate and respond in contested airspace, reducing Israel’s current operational advantages.
Failure of the Russian Arms Deal Prompts Pivot
Tehran’s move to open negotiations with Beijing follows continued frustrations with Moscow over the unfulfilled Su-35 contract. Initially expected to enhance Iranian air power by spring 2023, the delivery has yet to materialize. This delay has led Iranian officials to question Russia’s reliability and to seek alternatives more aligned with its current defense needs.
The Iranian Defense Minister’s recent visit to China marks a concrete step in this direction, underlining a broader reorientation toward Asian partners. This pivot is not solely reactive but appears to be part of a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on inconsistent suppliers and foster deeper ties with nations facing similar Western sanctions.
Growing Military Cooperation Between Iran and China
The military partnership between Tehran and Beijing has expanded steadily, driven by shared geopolitical interests and opposition to Western influence. China has previously supplied Iran with a range of military assets, from surface-to-air missile systems to radar and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Iranian drone programs, including the Shahed and Mohajer series, have notably incorporated Chinese technology.
Joint naval drills and defense exchanges have further solidified this relationship. As the media source details, the proposed acquisition of J-10Cs and AWACS represents the next phase of this cooperation, offering Iran not just a hardware upgrade but a potential doctrinal shift in how it organizes air combat operations.
