Iran gets Chinese J-10C jet with AESA radar, PL-15 missiles, becoming a threat to Israeli F-35 fleet

According to the report by Brain News on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Iran has operationalized its first squadron of Chinese made J-10C fighter jets, marking a significant upgrade to its air combat capabilities amid escalating tensions with Israel. The advanced fourth generation fighters, equipped with cutting edge AESA radars and PL-15 long-range air to air missiles, arrived last week at the Khatami Air Base near Isfahan following months of secret negotiations between Tehran and Beijing.Military analysts confirm the J-10C’s AESA radar system gives Iranian pilots their first credible counter to Israel’s stealth F-35 fleet. “The PL-15 missiles outrange anything in Israel’s arsenal by 50-70 kilometers,” explained former Israeli Air Force colonel Tal Sheffer. “This fundamentally changes the aerial balance in the region.” Satellite imagery shows at least 24 aircraft already assembled, with more expected under the $3 billion defense pact signed last year.

The deployment comes as Iranian state media broadcasts footage of pilots training with the new systems. “Our skies are now protected by the world’s most advanced technology,” boasted Brig. Gen. Hamid Vahedi, commander of the Iranian Air Force. Israeli defense officials, however, downplayed the threat, with one anonymous source calling it “an expensive game of catch up.”

The acquisition signals deepening military ties between China and Iran, with Beijing reportedly offering maintenance support and pilot training. As regional tensions simmer, these new fighters add complexity to an already volatile security equation.