5 Countries That Purchase Chinese Fighter Jets

As Russia’s position as a major fighter jet exporter continues to collapse, some question who will take its place. While the answer to that question is multi-faceted, one country that could move into Russia’s former market is China. Still, China’s fighter jet exports are not increasing much (while France’s Dassault is ramping up production of its Rafale jets).

Until very recently, most jets the Chinese were producing were licensed copies or derivatives of Russian/Soviet aircraft (and they were using Russian engines). Going forward, China may start exporting more modern fighter jets to countries like the UAE. A number of countries have historically purchased Chinese fighter jets (and some still do); here are five of them.

1

Pakistan

Pakistan has 20 Chinese J-10Cs and 150+ joint JF-17s

Pakistan has long been one of China’s top export partners. Pakistan occupies a somewhat peculiar position as a close ally of China while also enjoying a close relationship with the United States. Pakistan’s air force reflects its geostrategic position as it is made up of Western aircraft like F-16s, C-130 Hercules, Mirage, Saab AWACS, and Chinese aircraft like the J-10C Vigorous Dragon and Russian Ilyushin Il-78s.

Photo: Peter R Foster IDMA l Shutterstock

Perhaps the most notable fighter jet is the JF-17 Thunder, a joint Sino-Pakistani multirole fighter. Some have called the Thunder a great blunder, as its questionable record and high crash rate calls into question its ability to compete against a peer adversary. Plus, most of the JF-17’s manufacturing is done in China.

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2

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has around 36 Chinese Chengdu J-7s

Bangladesh is a cash-strapped country that has also purchased Chinese fighter jets. Notably, Bangladesh was the last country for which the MiG-21 was built. These were license-built by China as the Chengdu J-7 and continued in production long after the Soviet Union had collapsed (the last was produced for the Bangladeshi Air Force in 2013).

In addition to the 36 Chengdu J-7s received from China, Bangladesh purchased some Hongdu JL-8 jet trainers from China. Bangladesh currently has around 8 aging Russian MiG-29 Fulcrums in service (the MiG-29s are Bangladesh’s most capable fighter jets).

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3

Zambia

Zambia has around 6 Hongdu JL-10s and 10 Shenyang J-6s

Many of the countries that have purchased Chinese military aircraft are found in Africa. The Southern African nation of Zambia is one country whose air force combat aircraft is completely made up of Chinese-origin aircraft – namely the Hongdu JL-10 and the Shenyang J-6.

The Shenyang J-6 is a license-built copy of the ancient Soviet MiG-19 which first flew in 1952. Most J-6s have now been retired around the world, but some air forces (such as Zambia, Sudan, and North Korea) appear to still operate them. Hongdu JL-10 is a much more modern light fighter that first entered service in 2013.

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4

Sudan

Sudan has around 20 Q-5s, 8 J-6s, an 20 J-7s

The Sudanese Air Force is currently engaged in a large civil war, and many aircraft have been destroyed in the conflict (some were destroyed on the ground). It is unknown how many aircraft are still operational. Sudan has been observed using Soviet Antonov transports as make-shift bombers. Sudan has long had poor relations with the West, so most of the air force’s aircraft are from China or the USSR.

The Sudanese operate Chinese-origin fighter aircraft, including the Nanchang Q-5 (a ground attack aircraft based on the Shenyang J-6), the Shenyang J-6, and the Chengdu J-7. Additionally, the Sudanese Air Force operates Soviet-origin Su-24s, Su-25s, MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-29s.

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5

North Korea

North Korea has around 100 each of Shenyang J-6s, Chengdu J-7s, and Shenyang F-5s

North Korea is perhaps one of the most confusing air forces in the world. Many countries (like Sudan and Zambia) do not need expensive modern jets as any potential adversaries similarly lack modern weapons. However, North Korea appears to be investing in keeping its impressive collection of antique aircraft collectibles operating as one of the world’s most impressive flying museums. The potential adversaries of North Korea are South Korea, Japan, and the USA – all of which employ some of the world’s most modern aircraft, rendering their air force less than useless.

In addition to Soviet-origin aircraft, North Korea operates ancient Chinese Shenyang J-6s, Chengdu J-7s, and Shenyang F-5s (a derivative of the MiG-17). North Korea has between 120 and 97 each of these aircraft and it is unclear how many are in flying condition.