China offers to sell J-10C fighters to Laos and Bangladesh
A Chengdu J-10 fighter of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). |
In a bid to gain its first export market for the type, China has been reported to be seriously offering their Chengdu J-10C multi-role fighter aircraft to both Laos and Bangladesh, which are cheaper options compared to Russian fighters like the MiG-35 and Su-27/30 family, or Western fighters from Europe or the US.
It is expected that both countries would only order an equivalent of 1 or 2 squadrons each, based on indicated requirements and budget allowances.
It was originally believed that Laos will be using its newly acquired Yakolev Yak-130 armed advanced trainers from Russia as its main combat aircraft, but information coming from the Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force (LPLAAF) indicated that they are looking for a more advanced fighter aircraft, and that the Yak-130 will be used to help train and transition its pilots to more advanced fighters.
Bangladesh currently operate the Yak-130 as well for light ground attack and training requirements.
The Chengdu J-10 is currently in use only by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Navy (PLAN), with the updated J-10C variant still looking for its first customer. Compared to the J-10A and J-10B, the current J-10C is equipped with an AESA fire control radar with improved range,, and can be equipped with the PL-10 IR-guided short range air-to-air missile, and the PL-15 long range air-to-air missile.
Laos is located in between Thailand in the west, Vietnam in the east, China in its north and Cambodia south of its borders. While it does not see any threat from its neighbors, any future Laotian fighter aircraft will size-up with the Royal Thai Air Force's (RTAF) Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcons and Saab JAS-39C/D Gripens, and with Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) Sukhoi Su-27P/SK and Su-30MK2V fighters.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces its regional rival Myanmar, with both countries improving their air forces. And while the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has recently ordered the Sukhoi Su-30 from Russia, it may be needing a smaller and cheaper fighter in its fighter mix.
China offers to sell J-10C fighters to Laos and Bangladesh
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
on
January 27, 2019
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ReplyDeleteI don't know about Laos getting the J-10C but I think the JF-17 is a perfect fit for Laos. Whereas the J-10C is a much better fit for Bangladesh.