Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon: History, Details, Facts, and Use in War

Chengdu J-10 Explained: Facts, Variants, and Military Use

Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon: History, Details, Facts, and Use in War

The Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon (Chinese: 歼-10 猛龙; pinyin: Jiān-10 Měnglóng; NATO reporting name: Firebird) is a Chinese medium-weight, single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). 

It’s designed for air-to-air combat and strike missions, with advanced variants like the J-10C considered 4.5-generation fighters. 

Below is a detailed look at its history, specifications, and combat use.

Vigorous Dragon: Used by China to reflect the aircraft’s aggressive and powerful design.

Firebird: NATO’s codename, typically chosen for simplicity and consistency in Western military reporting.

History - 

Origins (1980s): 

The J-10 program began in 1981 when PLAAF Commander Zhang Tingfa proposed developing a third-generation fighter to modernize China’s air force, which relied heavily on Soviet-era aircraft like the J-7 (MiG-21 derivative). 

Deng Xiaoping approved the project with a budget of CN¥500 million, and the Central Military Commission greenlit it in 1986 as the “No. 10 Project.” 

The Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI), led by chief designer Song Wencong, was tasked with development, drawing inspiration from the canceled J-9 project from the 1960s-1970s.

Design Influences: 

The J-10’s design, featuring a canard-delta wing configuration, resembles the Israeli IAI Lavi (itself influenced by the F-16). 

While some sources claim technology transfer from Israel, Chinese designers, including Song Wencong, assert the J-10’s roots lie in the indigenous J-9 program. 

The U.S. expressed concerns about the Lavi’s development using American funds, which may have indirectly influenced the J-10 via shared design concepts.

Development Challenges: 

Development was slow due to funding constraints and technical hurdles, particularly with the planned Shenyang WS-10 engine, which faced reliability issues. Early J-10s used Russian AL-31FN engines instead. 

The Gulf War (1991) renewed interest, providing adequate funding. 

A full-size wooden mock-up was completed in 1991, and the first prototype flew on March 23, 1998, with test pilot Lei Qiang.

Production and Service: 

The J-10 entered production in 2003 and was inducted into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2005. 

Over 350 units have been produced, with variants including the J-10A, J-10B, J-10C, and two-seat J-10S. 

Pakistan became the first export customer in 2022, designating it the F-10 Vanguard

Details and Facts -

Design: 

The J-10 features a tail-less canard-delta wing configuration for high agility, especially at low speeds, and a digital fly-by-wire (FBW) system for stability. 

Its airframe uses metal alloys and composites for strength and reduced weight, offering some stealth capabilities. 

A single rectangular air intake under the fuselage powers the engine.

Variants:

J-10A: 

Initial single-seat variant with Type 1473 pulse-Doppler radar, AL-31FN engine, and basic avionics. Export designation: F-10A/FC-20.

J-10S: 

Tandem two-seat trainer variant, first flown in 2003, with an enlarged dorsal spine for electronics.

J-10B: 

Upgraded with a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), longer nose radome (possibly for AESA radar), IRST, and electronic warfare pod. First flown by December 2008.

J-10C: 

Most advanced variant, introduced around 2015, with AESA radar (KLJ-7A, 90 km range for 5m² RCS targets), WS-10B engine, advanced IRST, missile approach warning system, and support for PL-15 long-range missiles. Considered 4.5-generation.

J-10CE: 

Export version of J-10C, used by Pakistan.

Specifications:

Engine: 

Early models use the Russian AL-31FN (123 kN with afterburner); later J-10C models use the Chinese WS-10B.

Speed: 

Maximum of Mach 1.8 (1,452 mph).

Range: 

Extended by in-flight refueling and aerodynamic efficiency, suitable for deep strikes and long patrols.

Armament: 

1 x 23mm Type 23-2 twin-barreled cannon, 11 hardpoints carrying up to 9,900 lb of ordnance, including PL-8, PL-9, PL-11, PL-12, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, PJ-9, YJ-9K air-to-surface missiles, LT-2 laser-guided bombs, LS-6 glide bombs, and rocket pods.

Avionics: 

Features a glass cockpit with three LCD multi-function displays, a holographic head-up display (HUD), and a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) superior to the Su-27’s. The J-10C’s AESA radar can track 10 targets and engage 4 simultaneously.

Electronic Warfare: 

Includes radar jamming, chaff/flare dispensers, and missile approach warning systems, enhancing survivability.

Operators: 

Primarily the PLAAF and PLANAF (China), with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operating 25 J-10CEs (inducted March 2022) and an option for 11 more.

Cost: 

Approximately $40–50 million per unit for export, making it a cost-competitive alternative to Western fighters like the F-16 ($85 million for F-16V).

Use in War -

The J-10’s combat history is limited but significant, primarily through its use by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF):

Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar (January 18, 2024): 

Pakistan deployed J-10CEs to escort CAIG Wing Loong II drones in airstrikes against Balochistan Liberation Army and Baluch Liberation Front bases in Iran. 

This marked the J-10’s first confirmed combat use, though it was limited to ground strikes and escort roles, not air-to-air combat.

India-Pakistan Conflict (May 2025): 

The J-10C saw its first air-to-air combat during a tense standoff between the PAF and Indian Air Force (IAF). 

The PAF claimed J-10CEs, armed with PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, shot down five IAF fighters, including three Dassault Rafale F3Rs, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29. 

A U.S. official confirmed “high confidence” in at least two shootdowns, including a Rafale, marking the first combat loss of a Rafale. 

India did not acknowledge losses, stating only that “losses are a part of combat” and all pilots returned home. 

Context and Impact: 

The May 2025 conflict, following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, showcased the J-10C’s long-range missile suite and AESA radar. 

The success has positioned the J-10C as a viable competitor to Western fighters like the F-16, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon

Market Impact: 

The J-10C’s combat success in 2025 led to a 40% surge in Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s stock, reflecting investor confidence in its export potential.

Notes -

Unverified Claims: 

Claims of the J-10C downing five IAF jets in May 2025 are based on Pakistani reports and a single U.S. official’s statement, with India not confirming losses. 

Watch Video J-10 Vigorous Dragon in Action