J-10 Thread IV
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Just another idea! 
So far all J-10B and J-10C delivered are operational within the PLAAF only, but given the fact that the PLANAF already operates one J-10AH-unit and there are still older types (aka J-8H and F) to replace, how likely is it that the J-10C could be introduced as well??
Or will the PLANAF even more prefer twin-engined and longer-range-capable fighters and the J-16 will be procured instead, maybe even transferring the J-1AHs to the PLAAF?
Deino
So far all J-10B and J-10C delivered are operational within the PLAAF only, but given the fact that the PLANAF already operates one J-10AH-unit and there are still older types (aka J-8H and F) to replace, how likely is it that the J-10C could be introduced as well??
Or will the PLANAF even more prefer twin-engined and longer-range-capable fighters and the J-16 will be procured instead, maybe even transferring the J-1AHs to the PLAAF?
Deino
Just another idea!
So far all J-10B and J-10C delivered are operational within the PLAAF only, but given the fact that the PLANAF already operates one J-10AH-unit and there are still older types (aka J-8H and F) to replace, how likely is it that the J-10C could be introduced as well??
Or will the PLANAF even more prefer twin-engined and longer-range-capable fighters and the J-16 will be procured instead, maybe even transferring the J-1AHs to the PLAAF?
Deino
PLANAF is probably better off with flankers since they have longer legs and superior weapons load --- both of which are crucial for long range maritime combat and patrol.
plawolf
Lieutenant General
Just another idea!
So far all J-10B and J-10C delivered are operational within the PLAAF only, but given the fact that the PLANAF already operates one J-10AH-unit and there are still older types (aka J-8H and F) to replace, how likely is it that the J-10C could be introduced as well??
Or will the PLANAF even more prefer twin-engined and longer-range-capable fighters and the J-16 will be procured instead, maybe even transferring the J-1AHs to the PLAAF?
Deino
I think the PLANAF is now focused on carrier fast jet operations, so it's land based fighters are being put on the back burner.
I think the PLANAF will eventually phase out all its land based fighter models and convert its fighter regiments into carrier capable units with carrier capable planes.
I personally doubt that they will get any new fighters that aren't carrier capable.
As they retire J8s, those units will most likely convert to J15s.
Not so all the new J-16's at the moment are going to PLANAF. A PLANAF with only carrier based planes is still decades away.
Wait, what? When did this happen?
... what?
You may want to check your sources, as far as I know there have been no J-16s spotted in PLANAF colours.
Indeed, but regardless this focus on carrier-aviation I don't think the PLAAF will "phase out all its land based fighter models and convert its fighter regiments into carrier capable units with carrier capable planes" at least anytime soon.
Also I don't think that regular Air Divisions will be converted until at least 2-3 carriers are operational.
So in summary I think they will "soon" replace their last J-8H/F and maybe as a next step the JH-7s.
IMO a most likely option - as others already pointed - these will all be replaced with J-16s which in the end will result in an all-Flanker fleet. Consequently the J-10AHs could be transferred to the PLAAF.
Or - if the J-10 is not replaced - the J-10C could be a successor for the J-8 and the J-16 for the JH-7 (at least the Batch 01 models).
Deino
3 regiments worth of jh7a flying within planaf have planes that are 10-14 years old. They will surely fly for another 15 years. the 2 regiments of jh7, even though they're something like 24 years old, can still soldier on for at least another 5 years.
I would say great majority of J16 will be going to plaaf in the coming years. something like several regiments for plaaf for each one regiment going to planaf. After all, planaf has modernized fairly nicely during the past decade. Whereas plaaf has over 500 planes that are virtually obsolete and in need of urgent replacement.
I would say great majority of J16 will be going to plaaf in the coming years. something like several regiments for plaaf for each one regiment going to planaf. After all, planaf has modernized fairly nicely during the past decade. Whereas plaaf has over 500 planes that are virtually obsolete and in need of urgent replacement.