BEIJING (Agencies): China has denied reports that the Egyptian Air Force received its first batch of J-10 fighter jets from China, state media reported on Thursday. “It is inconsistent with the facts. Total fake news,” said Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian.
Wu’s remarks came in response to various media reports claiming that Egypt had received the jets from China. Daily News Egypt had reported on February 13 that Cairo received J-10 fighter jets from China.
The J-10C is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, capable of engaging targets up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away. The J-10C, also known as the Vigorous Dragon, is a medium-weight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. It features a delta wing and canard design, which enhances its agility and maneuverability. The J-10C is equipped with advanced avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides superior tracking and targeting capabilities.
The J-10C is powered by the WS-10B Taihang engine, an indigenous Chinese engine that offers improved thrust and performance compared to earlier variants. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 at high altitude and has a range of 1,850 kilometers with external fuel tanks. It is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including PL-8 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, LS-6 guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles.
The J-10C is currently operated by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Additionally, countries like Bangladesh and Iran have shown interest in acquiring the J-10C.
Egypt’s Air Force currently operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including American, French, and Russian models. The fleet includes F-16 Fighting Falcons, Mirage 2000s, Rafales, MiG-29s, and various other aircraft. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile multirole fighter, while the Mirage 2000 and Rafale are advanced French fighters known for their agility and combat capabilities. The MiG-29 is a Russian multirole fighter that adds to the diversity of Egypt’s air defense capabilities. As of 2025, the Egyptian Air Force has a total of 1,065 aircraft in service.
Despite the denial, the reports have sparked discussions about Egypt’s efforts to diversify its military suppliers and enhance its air defense capabilities. Egypt has historically relied on a mix of American, French, and Russian aircraft, and the potential addition of Chinese jets would mark a significant shift in its defense strategy.