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Iran is reportedly in talks with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets after its Russian Su-35 deal fell through, leaving its air force under-equipped.
Chinese J-10C (Vigorous Dragon) fighter jet (Photo: AP)
Iran is looking to buy Chinese J-10C (Vigorous Dragon) fighter jets, multiple media reports have claimed. The move reportedly comes as Iran is looking to replenish its air force, days after its conflict with Israel.
According to a report with the Russian Arms Telegram channel, the talks between Iran and China happened as Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh visited China, reportedly to explore the possibility of purchasing Chinese-made ‘4++ generation’ J-10CE jets.
These jets have demonstrated strong regional performance in Pakistan’s fleet, the report claimed.
Earlier, Iran’s deal to procure fighter jets with Russia had collapsed, thus leaving Iran’s air force vulnerable.
According to The New Voice of Ukraine, the J-10C is a single-engine, multirole fighter often described as a budget version of the Western F-16V or Sweden’s Gripen E.
Unit prices of the jet range from $60 million for the base model to around $90 million when equipped with weapons, spare parts, training, and warranty support, it stated.
In 2023, Iran signed a deal to acquire 50 Russian Su-35s but received only four before the remainder of the deliveries were frozen due to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
This isn’t the first time Iran has negotiated with China over the J-10C. Talks in 2015 reportedly involved the potential purchase of up to 150 aircraft, but the deal collapsed due to the United Nations’ arms embargoes and payment disputes.
China insisted on hard currency, while Iran offered oil and gas in barter. Though the embargo was lifted in 2020, subsequent negotiations stalled over payment issues.
G7 URGES TALKS TO RESUME FOR DEAL ON IRAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations on Monday said they supported the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged for negotiations to resume for a deal to address Iran’s nuclear program, according to a joint statement.
Since April, Iran and the US have held talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Tehran says its program is peaceful, and Israel and its allies say they want to ensure Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.
“We call for the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement that addresses Iran’s nuclear program,” the G7 foreign ministers said.
ALSO READ | ‘Expectations That Provoke Ridicule’: Khamenei Slams Trump For Demanding Iran’s Surrender
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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