China Ramping Up Fighter Jet Exports with Affordable, Low-Restriction Options

Beijing is aggressively expanding its presence in the global fighter jet market by offering advanced combat aircraft at lower prices, with flexible financing and minimal political conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual report on China’s military power released on December 23, 2025.

The report highlights that China is actively marketing three key platforms for export: the fifth-generation stealth FC-31 (export variant of the J-35), the fourth-generation J-10C multirole fighter, and the China-Pakistan co-produced JF-17 light combat aircraft.

As of December 2024, China remained the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, behind the United States, France, and Russia, primarily through state-owned entities like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and North Industries Corporation (NORINCO).Arms transfers form a key part of China’s foreign policy, complementing its Belt and Road Initiative with assistance to developing nations, the Pentagon noted.

While China’s own air force operates cutting-edge platforms—including stealth fighters J-20 and J-35, the advanced J-16 flanker derivative, J-10 series, and prototypes of sixth-generation jets—its manned fighter exports have lagged behind its highly successful drone sales, such as Caihong and Wing Loong UAVs supplied to countries including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, and the UAE.

Pakistan has emerged as China’s primary customer for advanced fighters, receiving all exported J-10C jets to date (20 delivered as of May 2025 out of 36 ordered since 2020) and co-producing the JF-17. However, the report states that as of May 2025, the FC-31 had secured no firm sales, despite earlier widespread media reports of an impending deal with Pakistan.

Those reports, based on a senior Pakistani official’s statements to Janes in mid-2025 claiming imminent deliveries and pilot training in China, faded after the Pakistan Defence Ministry denied any signed agreement in July 2025.

Analysts say China’s strategy of economical pricing and fewer restrictions positions it well against Western competitors, particularly in markets wary of U.S. or European political strings, though quality concerns and limited proven export track records for top-tier fighters continue to pose challenges.

Signpost NewsDesk

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