China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense confirmed on Jan. 12 that the export-oriented J-10CE fighter jet achieved its first combat victory last May, stating that the aircraft downed several adversary aircraft in an aerial engagement without suffering losses.
The agency described the operation as the J-10CE’s first confirmed combat result.
According to the announcement, the engagement took place in mid-May during overseas operations involving the export variant. The statement said the J-10CE “shot down several enemy aircraft in real combat conditions while incurring no losses,” emphasizing the event as a milestone for China’s foreign-supplied fighter programs.
As noted by the Chinese authority, the J-10CE is an all-weather, single-engine multirole combat aircraft developed domestically. The agency said that China’s aviation sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, strengthening its presence in both civilian aerospace and military exports. It added that the J-10CE has become part of a broader lineup of Chinese-built aircraft that have secured orders on domestic and international markets.
The announcement stated that the fighter’s success abroad demonstrates that Chinese aviation technology is “practical, reliable and competitive.” The agency said the aircraft’s combat record will support wider adoption of Chinese platforms by foreign customers and reflects progress in China’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
China’s confirmation provides the first public acknowledgment from Beijing that the export model has been used in real combat and achieved results. Prior to this, information on the engagement was limited to Pakistani government statements and local media coverage. Beijing’s announcement offers a clear account of the aircraft’s involvement and the outcome of the aerial battle.
Earlier, Pakistan had stated that its Chinese-built J-10C fighters helped repel Indian airstrikes during an escalation last May.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, officials said the aircraft played a role in downing Indian jets, including French-built Rafales, during a response to what Islamabad described as a wave of Indian strikes. The outlet reported that Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed lawmakers that the J-10C aircraft were used in the operation and that China had been briefed on the developments from the beginning.
For China’s defense industry, the combat record of an export-supplied aircraft strengthens its position in global markets. The J-10CE is part of a broader push to expand Chinese defense exports at a time when several countries are seeking alternatives to Western-supplied combat aircraft.
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