J-10 Thread IV

[Deino]

Guys, there’s growing chatter about a so-called J-10D variant reportedly under development for foreign customers (multiple). Key features are said to include:

1. Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs)
2. A new powerplant (engine upgrade)
3. Wingtip pylons.

What’s particularly interesting is that the number of aircraft being discussed is reportedly quite large. Can anyone confirm this from reliable sources?

While this has been highlighted several times before, nothing concrete or official has emerged so far.

No, there is NO growing chatter and even more so there is again NO discussion on "the number of aircraft being discussed is reportedly quite large"! There was some chatter years ago and now this all settled as either being faked rumours and finally mis-interpretations of the J-10CY for the Ba Yi!

Today however there are still some Pakistani idiots like the same ones claiming again and again next week we will see the already delivered J-35A fighters in PAF colours!

 

[Black Wolf]

No, there is NO growing chatter and even more so there is again NO discussion on "the number of aircraft being discussed is reportedly quite large"! There was some chatter years ago and now this all settled as either being faked rumours and finally mis-interpretations of the J-10CY for the Ba Yi!

Today however there are still some Pakistani idiots like the same ones claiming again and again next week we will see the already delivered J-35A fighters in PAF colours!

Appreciate the clarification. To be fair, the recent mentions seem to be resurfacing more in informal circles, possibly recycled from older, misinterpreted reports, as you noted (like the J-10CY for Ba Yi). You're right that nothing concrete has emerged, and the narrative may be fueled more by speculation than substance. That said, if any credible updates do surface, it’d be worth keeping an eye on. Until then, it's best to treat this as background noise rather than a serious development.

Also, I’d ask that we avoid highlighting nationalities or labeling anyone with derogatory terms. Such language isn’t appropriate or ethical, and it doesn’t contribute positively to the discussion. Since this has come up repeatedly, it would be great to refrain from this habit moving forward. If there’s a personal grudge or frustration, it’s always better to engage respectfully, discussions can be just as strong without resorting to name-calling.

 

[Blitzo]

Appreciate the clarification. To be fair, the recent mentions seem to be resurfacing more in informal circles, possibly recycled from older, misinterpreted reports, as you noted (like the J-10CY for Ba Yi). You're right that nothing concrete has emerged, and the narrative may be fueled more by speculation than substance. That said, if any credible updates do surface, it’d be worth keeping an eye on. Until then, it's best to treat this as background noise rather than a serious development.


Also, I’d ask that we avoid highlighting nationalities or labeling anyone with derogatory terms. Such language isn’t appropriate or ethical, and it doesn’t contribute positively to the discussion. If there’s a personal grudge or frustration, it’s always better to engage respectfully, discussions can be just as strong without resorting to name-calling.

The way you phrased the rumours gave them more credence than they deserve.


My advice is just to pretend you never heard about the idea of "J-10D" for now.
Even the term "background noise" is probably giving the name too much credit.

 

[zyklon]

That said, if any credible updates do surface, it’d be worth keeping an eye on. Until then, it's best to treat this as background noise rather than a serious development.

The PLAAF and AVIC did explore the possibility of a J-10D about a decade ago, but elected to concentrate resources on more ambitious projects instead.

At this point in time, the only plausible scenario for the sort of J-10D that you spoke of — with a new powerplant and CFTs — to enter serial production is if a foreign customer is willing to cover the not insignificant development costs of such a variant. Perhaps something along the lines of the Emirati deal for Block 60 F-16s.

Any country able to throw around that kind of money is going to opt for a J-35/A variant or something else fancy-ish, so you probably shouldn't hold your breath there.

 

[Deino]

...
Also, I’d ask that we avoid highlighting nationalities or labeling anyone with derogatory terms. Such language isn’t appropriate or ethical, and it doesn’t contribute positively to the discussion. Since this has come up repeatedly, it would be great to refrain from this habit moving forward. If there’s a personal grudge or frustration, it’s always better to engage respectfully, discussions can be just as strong without resorting to name-calling.

No, a very clear and strong contradiction: Anyone who spouts such nonsense—and the nonsense being spread by certain Indians and Pakistanis is currently far beyond the norm—cannot be described otherwise: They are idiots, braggarts, boasters, liars, and, what is even more harmlessly termed, overenthusiastic, stupid fanboys.

So please stop this nonsense and don't consider such comments generally derogatory or defamatory of entire ethnic groups. It's simply meant specifically at these idiots, because those who actually know what they're talking about don't write such nonsense.

 

[Black Wolf]

No, a very clear and strong contradiction: Anyone who spouts such nonsense—and the nonsense being spread by certain Indians and Pakistanis is currently far beyond the norm—cannot be described otherwise: They are idiots, braggarts, boasters, liars, and, what is even more harmlessly termed, overenthusiastic, stupid fanboys.

So please stop this nonsense and don't consider such comments generally derogatory or defamatory of entire ethnic groups. It's simply meant specifically at these idiots, because those who actually know what they're talking about don't write such nonsense.

I hear your frustration, and it’s understandable to be annoyed by misinformation or exaggerated claims. However, repeatedly using terms like “idiots,” “fanboys,” or directly attributing such behavior to specific nationalities, even if you say it’s not meant as a generalization does come off as broadly derogatory. Whether intentional or not, it creates an unnecessarily hostile tone that doesn't help move the conversation forward.

There’s a clear distinction between criticizing ideas and attacking people or nationalities. It’s entirely possible and more constructive to challenge false claims without resorting to personal insults or general labels.

Let's keep the discussion focused on facts and analysis and let our arguments speak for themselves.

That way, those who are genuinely here to learn and contribute can do so without the discussion turning combative.

 

[zyklon]

I hear your frustration, and it’s understandable to be annoyed by misinformation or exaggerated claims. However, repeatedly using terms like “idiots,” “fanboys,” or directly attributing such behavior to specific nationalities, even if you say it’s not meant as a generalization does come off as broadly derogatory. Whether intentional or not, it creates an unnecessarily hostile tone that doesn't help move the conversation forward.

There’s a clear distinction between criticizing ideas and attacking people or nationalities. It’s entirely possible and more constructive to challenge false claims without resorting to personal insults or general labels.

Let's keep the discussion focused on facts and analysis and let our arguments speak for themselves.

That way, those who are genuinely here to learn and contribute can do so without the discussion turning combative.

Political correctness has a habit of getting obnoxiously superficial as is, but demanding political correctness with AI generated virtue signaling is truly next level artificiality, dude! Bravo!

 

[sequ]

...but demanding political correctness with AI generated virtue signaling is truly next level artificiality, dude! Bravo!

Tbf, you could also be accused of doing so.

 

[zyklon]

Tbf, you could also be accused of doing so.

I appreciate the compliment, but I just write better than you.

A mix of being "autistic," overly fond of caveating, at times obsessed with parallel construction, as well as perhaps having spent too much time reading legalese at one point or another.

The problem with what @Black Wolf posted is that it's too polished, yet "neutral" to have been written by a human, especially a non-native English speaker.

 

[Black Wolf]

Political correctness has a habit of getting obnoxiously superficial as is, but demanding political correctness with AI generated virtue signaling is truly next level artificiality, dude! Bravo!

Appreciate the sarcasm, but this isn’t about “AI virtue signaling” or performative political correctness. It’s about maintaining a baseline of respect in discussions that involve diverse communities and nationalities. Dismissing that as superficial ignores how easily these conversations can alienate people or derail into unproductive territory.

You can absolutely be critical, skeptical, or blunt just without needing to generalize or throw around personal insults. At the end of the day, strong arguments stand on logic and facts, not volume or mockery. That’s all I’m advocating for.

The problem with what @Black Wolf posted is that it's too polished, yet "neutral" to have been written by a human, especially a non-native English speaker.

Appreciate the observation, but I can assure you the post was written by me and yes, I’m very much human .

Being neutral and composed in tone doesn't automatically make something artificial. Sometimes it’s just about choosing to engage in a more balanced and respectful way, especially in a discussion that could easily become hostile.

Let’s focus on the content and ideas rather than assumptions about who wrote what. That way, the discussion stays productive for everyone involved.