We do have reports of at least some J-10As being upgraded with AESA radar. So that might not be an issue.
What could be an issue is the avionics, electronic warfare, and the helmet sight.
With the upgrade of the F-16V you basically get a similar radar range to that in the Su-35 but in a fighter with only 1 meter sq RCS. So I wouldn't underestimate these planes. The PRC still has the advantage of course. More high end platforms, long range missiles, better training. But the bog standard J-10A doesn't cut it anymore.
This isn’t some DCS matchup where fighters go solo head to head. While individual airframe performance is by no means unimportant, in the modern world of highly complexed networked battlespace, it isn’t decisive by any stretch.
Even F35s are vulnerable to long range detection by PLAAF AWACS, never mind legacy aircraft.
In a real war scenario, J10As can and probably will get first shoot on F16Vs thanks to offboard sensor support and vectoring, maybe even co-operative engagement too. But realistically it’s unlikely that J10As will get the chance to go after F16s since there are plenty of better predators within the PLAAF order of battle who will go first.
Instead what J10As will be very good at is air patrols of less contested zones and highly mobile anti-missile defence to catch any LO cruise missiles that might slip past the main lines or come from unusual vectors to try to sneak through.
It would be a waste to task J16s or J20s for such missions, but as the Russian experience is proving, it’s not something you can afford to skimp on if you don’t want to risk big expensive things getting blown up in your rear.
