March 5, 2004 at 12:14 pm
http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchro…/cc/obrien.html
The PLAAF is developing the Jian-10 fighter-bomber (J-10). The plane is reportedly a hybrid of the U.S. F-16 A/B with some Chinese and Israeli Lavi elements. China received a single prototype F-16 from Pakistan and has been working with Israeli Aircraft Industries to develop the plane. The PLAAF is set to deploy the fighters in coastal areas, believing “With ‘J-10’ fighters deployed, it will be able to upgrade its offensive capabilities by a large margin” (Hong Kong Sing Tao Jih Pao 29 May).
The PLAAF expects to have 50 J-10s by 2005. The J-10, displayed at an air show in May, has received rave reviews from the pilots flying them. Wing Commander Wang Yunhui, a special-grade Su-27 pilot, praised J-10 aircraft and admitted, “During three rounds of “dog fight” in the mid-air, his Su-27 had lost to a J-10 fighter” (Hong Kong Sing Tao Jih Pao 29 May).