So far a J-10 carrier version remains highly speculative, though likely a serious written proposal may have been submitted by CAC. Purchasing Su-33s are the most likely option, and in the longer term, navalizing J-11s to the Su-33 template.
Few people however have talked about a much more likely alternative. This is a navalized, though non carrier, PLANAF version of the J-10. Here is a J-10, in the conventional way as we knkow it, albeit with avionics and radar that will support naval assignments like use of AshM. Perhaps a J-10 that uses 607 institute radar like the JH-7A or the PAF FC-1, with support for YJ-83.
I think the only obstacle of purchasing Su-33 will be its high per unit price and the fact Russian know it will be the last major purchase of arms by PRC before everything will be domestic..... PRC will not want to be black mail by them and foolishly using high currencies to buy them.
A navalise J-10 will be the best candidate due to the canard lift factor and Rafale demonstration that Delta wing is possible for carrier wings and finally the biggest factor will be domestic produce!
i agree, a domestically produced J-10 will save a great amount of money and will help china to fully master the technologies needed to develop a navalized fighter. Additionally, it is likely that the French might provide assistances to help install J-10 with carrier landing systems similar to Rafale.
here is my thoughts for a navalized j-10:
basic single seated j-10 with strengthened structures
+ a AL-31FN TVC engine
+ hooker and landing systems imported from France or Russia.
THat is for sure. Last time we got a news abt Kommersant talking abt China buying Su-33 but now is quiet down. I think China is interested in only 2-4 planes while Russia is trying to black mail China into buying bulk and highly expensive and not so advance block version that China refuse to oblige that the news die down......