Story perspectives

Chinese AVIC Engineers Keep Pakistan J-10CEs Combat-Ready

5/10/2026

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Summary

AVIC Engineers Support

AVIC engineers provided on-site technical support to Pakistan’s Air Force during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict.
Zhang Heng and Xu Da worked in 50 °C heat amid fighter take-offs and sirens to keep J-10CE fighters combat-ready.
Pakistan, the sole operator of the J-10CE, ordered 36 jets and 250 PL-15 missiles from China in 2020.
About 81 % of Pakistan’s military hardware is supplied by China, underscoring Beijing’s role as its primary defence partner.

Summary

China Downs Rafale

A Chinese-made J-10CE jet shot down an Indian-operated French Rafale—the first recorded Chinese fighter kill—during the May 7 – May 11, 2025 conflict.
Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, India’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff, said China supplied live inputs on key Indian positions throughout the 90-hour war.
India accused Turkey of providing vital support to Pakistan alongside China during Operation Sindoor.
Indian officials described the four-day, 90-hour clash as the worst fighting in decades.

History

Historical Context

India and China’s 1962 Sino-Indian War, which raged from 10 October to 20 November and ended with China retaining Aksai Chin, set a pattern of border tension. The 2025 four-day aerial clash revived that legacy, as Chinese engineers kept J-10CE fighters operational while Indian aircraft faced renewed combat over the disputed frontier in the Himalayas.

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AVIC Engineers Support

AVIC engineers provided on-site technical support to Pakistan’s Air Force during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict.
Zhang Heng and Xu Da worked in 50 °C heat amid fighter take-offs and sirens to keep J-10CE fighters combat-ready.
Pakistan, the sole operator of the J-10CE, ordered 36 jets and 250 PL-15 missiles from China in 2020.
About 81 % of Pakistan’s military hardware is supplied by China, underscoring Beijing’s role as its primary defence partner.

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