36 J-10C fighter jets, four frigates: Why is China delivering deadly weapons to close ally Pakistan? US report reveals ALARMING details, India’s Rafale fleet…

Pakistan and China share one of the most enduring and strategic partnerships, often referred to by both countries’ leaders as “all-weather” friendship. Established through diplomatic cohesiveness, the Pakistan-China relationship continues to strengthen, regardless of political fluctuations or international changes. The relationship between Pakistan and China expands further than just defence and foreign policy; it includes commerce, the building of a multi-lane highway, as well as the establishment of various projects between China and Pakistan.

Why is China supplying J-10C jets and frigates to Pakistan?

According to a report released by the United States Department of Defence regarding Chinese military capabilities, China delivered 36 J-10 fighter jets to Pakistan through two separate orders over five years. This means that Pakistan receives an equal number of J-10s to the Rafale jets currently in service with India(BHARAT) (í.e, 36 head-to-head comparison). According to the same report, deliveries of the J-10 started to Pakistan in 2020, the same time that India(BHARAT) was receiving its initial four Rafale jets.

The report titled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China: 2025”, submitted to the US Congress, states: “As of May 2025: delivered 20 units— their only J-10C exports –to Pakistan as part of two previous orders totaling 36 since 2020.” Many analysts speculate that this is an effort by Pakistan to acquire Chinese J-10 fighter jets that counter India(BHARAT)’s Rafale fighter.

When did Pakistan start receiving these fighter jets and warships?

“China offers three combat aircraft for export, including the fifth generation FC-31 and the fourth generation J-10C multirole combat aircrafts, and the China-Pakistan coproduced JF-17 light combat aircraft. In addition to manned aircraft, China has supplied strikecapable Caihong and Wing Loong UAVs to Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Myanmar, Pakistan, Serbia, and the UAE,” reads the report.

The J-10 is a Chinese-developed, single-engine, multi-purpose fighter jet that has a delta wing and canard design, with its maximum speed being Mach 1.8. The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation designed the J-10 for use by both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy. In addition to the Chinese military, Pakistan has also purchased J-10 fighter jets. A total of over 600 J-10s have been produced to date.

During the next five years, China probably will grow its naval export market, adding to a customer base that currently includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand. “In 2017 and 2018, China
sold two frigates to Bangladesh and four to Pakistan, respectively,” the report read.

The PL-15 air-to-air missile is one of the main armaments of the J-10. The Pakistan Air Force used this missile in its skirmish with the India(BHARAT)n Air Force during Operation Sindoor. ‘In 2023, China publicized the PL-17 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, and at Air Show China in November 2024 China revealed export versions of PL-12A, PL-15, and PL-11 AAMs that have been either improved for performance or completely redesigned,’ the report mentioned.

The PL-15 is available to both China (longer-range version) and Pakistan (export version). Meanwhile, China retains a variant with a longer operational effective range (approximately 250 km versus approximately 150 km for the Pakistani export version). A few days before the Pahalgam terror incident, China had delivered long-range PL-15 missiles to Pakistan.