SOURCE: AFI
An image of a Chinese J-10CE fighter jet surfaced online, adorned with kill marks that raised eyebrows and triggered a wave of online ridicule, particularly from Indian netizens. The jet, reportedly photographed during an airshow, bore markings claiming the downing of three French Rafale jets, one Indian Su-30MKI, one Mig-29, and an Israeli Heron-TP drone—a tally that many have dismissed as blatant propaganda.
The J-10CE, an export variant of China’s single-engine J-10 fighter, has struggled to find buyers in the global market, with Pakistan being its largest and virtually only significant export customer. The aircraft’s kill marks, painted prominently on its front fuselage, appear to be an attempt to boost its image and drum up interest in a platform that has seen lackluster sales in recent years based on PAF claims that still has not provided any evidence. However, the claims have been met with widespread skepticism and mockery, especially in India, where the depicted kills include aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.
Indian social media users were quick to deride the claims, with one X user sarcastically commenting, “Ah yes, a single jet scored all the kills” referencing the implausibility of a lone J-10CE taking down such a diverse array of advanced aircraft and a high-altitude drone. Another user invoked the “Ghost of MM Alam,” referring to the legendary Pakistani pilot Muhammad Mahmood Alam, who was credited with multiple kills during the 1965 Indo-Pak War—a comparison meant to highlight the absurdity of the Chinese claims. Many labeled the kill marks as “Chinese propaganda,” accusing Beijing of fabricating a combat record to market the J-10CE amid its export struggles.
The aircraft listed in the kill marks are notable. The Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter operated by the Indian Air Force, is known for its advanced avionics and weaponry, while the Su-30MKI and Mig-29 form the backbone of India’s aerial defense. The Heron-TP, an Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicle, is a sophisticated platform used for reconnaissance and surveillance. The idea that a single J-10CE could achieve such feats in combat—especially with no record of such engagements—has been dismissed as far-fetched by analysts and enthusiasts alike.
Defense experts point out that the J-10CE, while a capable fighter, lacks the operational history to substantiate such claims. The jet, powered by a Russian AL-31FN engine (or the Chinese WS-10 in some variants), is designed for air superiority and multirole missions but has not been battle-tested in the way its kill marks suggest. China’s air force has not engaged in direct conflict with India since the 1962 war, and no recent skirmishes, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, involved aerial combat.
Pakistan, the primary export customer for the J-10CE, has inducted the jet into its air force as a counter to India’s Rafale fleet. However, the jet’s export market has otherwise been stagnant, with countries like Thailand and Myanmar opting for other platforms such as the Swedish Gripen or Russian Su-30 variants. The exaggerated kill marks may be an attempt to appeal to potential buyers in Africa or the Middle East, but the online reaction suggests that this marketing tactic has done more harm than good.
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