Six Chinese J-10C light fighter jets performed formation flights over the Changi Exhibition Centre, the venue for the Singapore Airshow, on 3/2. In addition to formation displays and colored smoke trails, two aircraft also executed multiple solo aerobatic maneuvers.
The Chinese air force deployed a total of seven J-10C fighter jets and one refueling aircraft for the event, all arriving in Singapore on 27/1.
This fighter jet gained attention after Pakistan claimed to have deployed J-10C squadrons to shoot down 5 Indian fighter jets, including at least one French-made Rafale fighter, during a four-day conflict in May 2025. This marked the first reported instance of the J-10C downing targets in combat, and the first time a Rafale aircraft was reportedly shot down in battle.
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Chinese J-10C fighter jets lined up on the ground at Changi Airport in Singapore on 27/1. Photo: CCTV |
The J-10 is a 4th generation+ single-engine multirole fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The Bat Nhat aerobatic team has operated the J-10A variant since 2009, upgrading to the more modern J-10C variant in 2023. The J-10C variant features an advanced engine, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and a range of weapons, including PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
The Chinese aerobatic team's participation in the Singapore Airshow comes as Beijing seeks to boost fighter jet exports, especially to countries unable to acquire Western aircraft. Chinese media suggests that reports of the J-10C's combat capabilities will make it more appealing to potential customers, particularly in Southeast Asia.
In October 2025, reports emerged that Indonesia was considering spending 9 billion USD to acquire 42 J-10C fighter jets, though Jakarta later stated no final decision had been made.
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Chinese J-10C fighter jets performed in Singapore on 3/2. Photo: AFP |
In addition to the J-10C, China also brought a miniature model of the J-35A fighter jet to this year's Singapore Airshow, an air force variant developed from the J-35 carrier-borne fighter.
The Singapore Airshow is a biennial event, ranking as Asia's largest and the third largest aviation event globally, trailing only the Le Bourget exhibition in France and Farnborough in the UK. This year's event runs from 3-8/2.
Pham Giang (According to SCMP)
