In spite of set back during Operation Sindoor, China set to display J-20, J-35A, J-10CE fighters at Paris Air Show

Scale models of Chinese military aircraft are on display at the booth of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in preparation for the 55th Paris Air Show, which runs from June 16 to 22, 2025 in Paris, France.

Chinese J10 fighters got shot down by Indian missiles and Chinese P15 AAM fired by PAF proved to be duds during the recent Operation SINDOOR initiated by India against Pakistan. In fact one P15 fired by a PAF jet fell down intact within Indian territory and recovered by the Indian military. The myth of Chinese equipment being superior vanished overnight.

In spite of the above, China is determined to showcase some of its most recent aviation products, including the J-20, the J-35A and the J-10CE fighter jets, at the upcoming Paris Air Show. Chinese experts hope that Chinese warplanes will draw significant international attention at the event. Well they will surely be attracting a lot of visitors particularly following the recent combat failure of J10 and P15.

Led by the “20” series warplanes and supported by systems of made-for-export military and emergency rescue aviation equipment, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) will try a concentrated display of its theoretical “prowess” in military and civilian aviation equipment at the 55th Paris Air Show, which runs from Monday to June 22. Scale models of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, the J-35A stealth fighter jet, the J-10CE fighter jet, the Y-20 large transport aircraft, the Z-20 utility helicopter and the Z-10ME attack helicopter are among military aircraft to be displayed, according to the AVIC release. Other items include the GJ-11 armed reconnaissance stealth drone, the Wing Loong-2 armed reconnaissance drone and the AG600M large amphibious firefighting aircraft.

These products will comprehensively demonstrate capabilities in air combat, long-range delivery and land-air coordination for future warfare, showcasing China’s ability in developing a complete system of military aircraft.

Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said that China is expected to become a global highlight at the Paris Air Show following the outstanding combat performance of its export-oriented J-10CE fighter jet…..well SINDOOR has certainly diminished this expectation world wide.

Chinese products are transitioning from low-end to high-end, from theoretical achievements but proven to be a big failure in combat capabilities. However Wang said “The J-10CE’s performance is just a powerful footnote for the progress of the Chinese aviation industry. I believe that all Chinese items on display will be attractive at the Paris Air Show.”

In terms of export potential, J-10CE, earlier had success but having demonstrated its failure in combat, is undoubtedly not going to be attractive to potential buyers. The fate of J-35A earlier another strong export candidate, particularly given the background of the growing global proliferation of fifth-generation fighters is now in doldrums. Considering its cost-effectiveness, the J-35A could have been highly competitive on the global market but now this is doubtful.

Though the J-35 fighter series, developed with an “air-sea twin configuration” approach and a “one aircraft, multiple variants” concept, is expected to be produced in large numbers in the future for PLAAF.

China still claims that the combat effectiveness of J35 was one of their primary objectives. As per their claim the J-35’s distinctive features include enhanced stealth performance and exceptional combat capabilities for coordinated operations.