J-10CE was purchased to compete with Rafale, Pakistan stuck in payment crisis, China stopped delivery of 16 fighter jets

The Chinese J-10CE fighter jets purchased to counter the Rafale fighter planes of the Indian Air Force have now become a new problem for Pakistan. Giving a big blow to Pakistan, which is facing a serious economic crisis, China has stopped the delivery of the remaining 16 J-10CE fighter planes for the time being.

According to the information, Pakistan had signed an agreement to buy a total of 36 J-10CE fighter aircraft from China. These aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force specifically to face the challenge of the Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force. China’s J-10CE is often described as a rival aircraft to Rafale, although the capabilities of the two aircraft are quite different.

Pakistan has received 20 J-10CE aircraft so far

Under the agreement, Pakistan has so far received 20 J-10CE aircraft. The initial delivery was made possible by taking loans from Chinese banks and financial institutions. But before the supply of the remaining 16 aircraft, Pakistan had to pay the fixed installments.

China stopped delivery of planes

Meanwhile, due to huge reduction in foreign exchange reserves, increasing foreign debt and strict conditions of IMF, Pakistan could not make this payment on time. After this, China has currently banned the delivery of the remaining aircraft.

pakistan air force blow

This move by China may deal a blow to the plans of Pakistan Air Force, under which J-10CE squadrons were to be deployed at full capacity. This delay is considered even more important at a time when the competition for air power in South Asia is continuously increasing.

Problem in purchasing J-35 stealth fighter

Interestingly, in recent months there were speculations about Pakistan purchasing China’s fifth generation J-35 stealth fighter, but the delay in payment for the J-10CE raises questions about how Pakistan will financially manage the purchase of the new fighter aircraft.

The J-10CE is China’s 4.5 generation modern fighter aircraft, with AESA radar, modern avionics and the ability to carry long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles. Pakistan had made it an important part of its Air Force modernization program.