The Egyptian Air Force is considering acquiring Chinese J-10C and J-31 fighter jets to modernize its fleet, positioning the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a logical secondary supplier amidst complex relationships with Russia and the United States. The J-10C offers advanced capabilities at a lower cost, while the J-31 would counter Israel’s F-35s. This initiative comes as Egypt seeks to diversify its military assets due to ongoing sanctions on Russia and the close U.S. relationship with Israel.
Discussions between Egyptian and Chinese officials are ongoing, with recent reports indicating that the Commander of the Egyptian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel Gawad, met with his Chinese counterpart, General Chang Dingqiu, in Beijing. These discussions include the potential sale of J-10C and J-31 fighter jets, highlighting Egypt’s interest in modernizing its air force. Egypt has a history of purchasing Chinese military equipment, including Xi’an H-6 bombers and J-6 fighters, and has shown increasing interest in advanced fighters since late 2022.
The Chengdu J-10C is a fourth-generation, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC). The J-10 program began in 1986 with the goal of developing a fighter capable of countering the Russian MiG-29 and Su-27. The J-10C, an upgraded variant, features advanced electronic warfare systems and an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. It supports multirole capabilities with targeting pods, laser-guided bombs, and air-to-air missiles. The J-10C officially entered service with the Chinese Air Force in December 2017 and, according to recent reports, is operated by China and Pakistan. Egypt has expressed interest in acquiring a dozen units, with the lower cost compared to Western and Russian fighters being a significant selling point for the J-10C.
The J-10C is designed with a “tailless delta-canard” aerodynamic layout, enhancing its maneuverability and overall lift. It is powered by a single Russian Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FN turbofan engine, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 2,200 km/h and a range of 3,200 km. The aircraft is also equipped with modern avionics, including an IRST sensor and various externally-mounted avionics pods for navigation, attack targeting, and electronic reconnaissance missions.
The Shenyang J-31, also known as the FC-31, is a fifth-generation, twin-engine stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The J-31 made its maiden flight on October 31, 2012. It is intended for various roles, including close-air support, aerial bombing, and interdiction operations. The aircraft measures approximately 16.9 meters in length, 4.8 meters in height, and has a wingspan of 11.5 meters, with a maximum take-off weight of 25 tons. It can reach speeds of up to 2,200 km/h.
The J-31 features advanced stealth characteristics, including an internal weapons bay and a diverter-less supersonic inlet design, enhancing its radar evasion capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, including an AESA radar, IRST systems, and an electro-optical targeting system. These capabilities position the J-31 as a significant advancement in Chinese military aviation, with potential export versions likely to attract countries seeking an alternative to Western fifth-generation fighters.