China Deploys 'J-10C' in Taiwan Strait... Facing Taiwan's US F-16V

People's Liberation Army Deploys Chinese Version of F-16, J-10C Fighter Jets to Eastern Theater Command
Chinese Media Claim J-10C Fighters Can Adequately Counter Non-Stealth F-16V

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese People's Liberation Army has deployed the 'Jian (J)-10C' fighter jet, equipped with a domestically developed engine, in the Taiwan Strait.

This appears to be a tactical change in response to the deployment of Taiwan's new F-16V fighter jets. The J-10C is a fighter jet known as the Chinese version of the F-16.

Photo by China Military Network capture

According to Chinese media including the state-run Global Times on the 22nd, the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, which oversees the Taiwan Strait, has replaced the existing J-7E fighter jets with J-10C fighter jets. Chinese media reported that a total of seven J-10C jets were initially replaced this time.

The Global Times explained that the J-10C fighter jet is a 1.5-generation advanced fighter compared to the J-7E, applying a fly-by-wire (electronic signal control) system instead of mechanical control, which enhances the pilot's combat capabilities.

It also emphasized that the J-10C fighter jet is equipped with the WS-10 turbofan engine, developed domestically by China. Although Chinese media refer to the J-10C as a 4.5-generation fighter, it is classified as a 4th-generation fighter since it lacks stealth capabilities.

Chinese media added that before the deployment of the J-10C, the Eastern Theater Command had deployed J-16 fighter jets equipped with air-to-ground capabilities.

The Global Times explained that the deployment of the J-10C fighter jets in the Eastern Theater Command is a countermeasure against Taiwan's new F-16V operational deployment.

Taiwan held an F-16V operational deployment ceremony on the 18th, attended by President Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan is in the process of converting 141 old F-16 A/B fighter jets to the new F-16V model, investing 110 billion Taiwan dollars (approximately 4.7 trillion Korean won) by 2023 for this project.

The Global Times cited military experts stating that although Taiwan authorities claim the F-16V fighter jets can counter the J-20 fighter jets, the F-16V lacks stealth capabilities, and the J-10C fighter jets can sufficiently counter the U.S. F-16V fighter jets.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.