China Responds After Reports Iran Seeks J-10 Fighter Jets

China is willing to supply its J-10 fighter aircraft to “friendly countries”, its defense ministry said, after reports that Iran was seeking to procure the multi-role fighter jet after Israel’s devastating attacks last month raised questions about Iran’s aging, largely Russian-supplied, air defenses.

Newsweek reached out to the Iranian Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment.

Why it Matters

Israel’s attacks on Iran, aimed at destroying its nuclear program and top military leadership, were a stark illustration of the shortcomings of Iranian air defenses, which have been largely dependent on Russian systems.

As Iran seeks to bolster its defenses it can look to the apparent success of Chinese air power in the confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, when Chinese fighter aircraft proved themselves in combat, with Pakistani forces claiming to have shot down Indian jets.

Several media outlets have reported that Iranian defense officials are engaged in high-level discussions to procure Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets.

An Israeli official has called on China to press Iran to rein in its military ambitions.

What to Know

The spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, commenting on reports that “several countries” were in discussions on the procurement of weapons, including the J-10 aircraft, said China was willing to “share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries”, the Chinese ministry said in a statement.

The spokesman, Jiang Bin, did not identify Iran or any of the other countries negotiating to buy the J-10 but he made the remarks after multiple media reports that Iran has been in discussions on the procurement of Chinese weapons, including the J-10 fighter jet.

China, itself once heavily reliant on Russian imports, has transitioned to developing its own advanced aircraft—demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and competitiveness that may surpass Russia, experts say.

Countries aiming to acquire advanced fighter jets are increasingly turning to China as it aims to ramp up exports and strategic partnerships, while showcasing its aircraft in military drills.

A recent analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary recipients of China’s arms sales. The UAE had once eyed American F-35 jets.

What People are Saying

Spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, Jiang Bin, according to the ministry: said China was ready to: “share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries”.

Ravit Baer, consul general of Israel in the Chinese city of Shanghai, quoted by Bloomberg: “China is the only one capable of influencing Iran… They can pressure Iran. They have political power over Iran. They can help change its malign activities in the region.”

What Happens Next

While Iran has called on the United States to resolve differences through diplomacy, tensions between Iran and Israel remain high amid speculation Israel might strike again if it believes elements of Iran’s nuclear program survived the Israeli and U.S. attacks.