Why is China offering J-10CE fighter jets to Colombia after the country selected the Swedish Gripen?
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According to Infodefensa, during a state visit to China in May 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro received a formal offer from the Chinese government to supply up to 24 Chengdu J-10CE single-engine multirole fighter jets to the Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC). The proposal was delivered during meetings between President Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping and includes not only the aircraft but also a package of air-to-air weaponry, with an individual aircraft base price starting at $40 million.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
China’s proposal could be seen more as an attempt to capitalise on the recent operational exposure of the J-10CE during the India-Pakistan conflict, where it was reportedly employed in engagements resulting in the downing of multiple Indian fighter jets. (Picture source: Baidu)
China is also offering payment flexibility, including financing terms and short delivery timelines, citing the production capacity of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The Chinese offer reportedly prompted internal consultations within Colombia, during which President Petro asked the FAC to assess the aircraft’s performance and the feasibility of integrating it into national defense planning. China’s proposal emphasized the J-10CE’s operational use in recent air combat during clashes between Pakistan and India.
According to Pakistani and Chinese sources, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) used the J-10CE to shoot down multiple Indian fighter jets, including a Rafale EH, a Mirage 2000H, a Su-30MKI, and a MiG-29UPG. India has not confirmed these losses. The Chinese delegation presented the combat experience of the aircraft as a distinguishing factor from competitors and highlighted that the J-10CE is not subject to restrictions on the future supply of spare parts or operational use. This is contrasted with potential veto risks that may apply to Western platforms. According to Infodefensa, the Chinese offer was included in the official bilateral agenda and could constitute an alternative to the ongoing negotiations with Sweden for the acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F, which nevertheless officially concluded following the Colombian president’s announcement to purchase the Swedish-made jets.
Colombia had already signed a letter of intent in April 2025 with Sweden to acquire the Gripen E/F variant, following years of evaluation and procurement delays. Saab’s offer included financing through Swedish banks, an eight-year grace period, and offset agreements in non-defense sectors such as renewable energy and water infrastructure. The proposed aircraft for Colombia is identical to the model currently in service with Brazil. Despite these conditions, concerns have been raised in Colombia about long-term dependence on regional partners such as Brazil for logistics and maintenance, and the possible impact of U.S. restrictions on components such as the General Electric F414 engine used by the Gripen. Reports also indicate that the United States had previously applied political pressure and trade measures to encourage Colombia to opt for the F-16 Block 70/72, including proposals that combined new aircraft with donated U.S. Air Force stocks.
China’s proposal should therefore be seen more as an attempt to capitalise on the recent operational exposure of the J-10 during the India-Pakistan conflict, where it was reportedly employed in engagements resulting in the downing of multiple Indian aircraft, including French and Russian fighter jets. and Su-30MKI. Pakistan, the only confirmed J-10CE operator, received its first batch of six units in March 2022 and deployed them in combat by 2025. Analysts note that the aircraft was reportedly used by the PAF in conjunction with Chinese and Swedish airborne early warning systems during the conflict with India, though publicly available information remains limited. The aircraft’s AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missile compatibility, and centralized Chinese combat system integration were also presented as part of the platform’s appeal. The offer to Colombia is part of a broader Chinese campaign to promote the J-10CE internationally, with additional proposals having been made to Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Brazil. For the time being, despite China’s considerable efforts, these countries have chosen other fighter jets, including the Gripen.
The FAC retired its fleet of 22 Israeli-made Kfir fighters in 2023, citing high operational costs and parts cannibalization. Colombia had previously considered acquiring 16 Rafale F4 fighters from France, but this project was canceled due to financial constraints. Discussions also took place with the United States about acquiring 18 F-16Cs/Ds from existing inventories. While the Gripen E was ultimately selected in 2025, the Chinese offer reintroduces uncertainty into Colombia’s procurement process. The potential shift toward China would represent a notable geopolitical reorientation, away from traditional suppliers such as the U.S. and Israel, and toward a supplier that presents itself as free from third-party dependencies or vetoes. Such a change could affect Colombia’s interoperability with its regional and NATO-aligned partners.
China’s interest in selling the J-10CE to Colombia aligns with its broader export strategy for the type. The aircraft, originally introduced in 2004, has undergone multiple iterations, including the J-10A, J-10B, and the currently offered J-10C and J-10CE. The J-10CE is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track systems, and long-range missile capability. It is marketed as a cost-effective multirole platform and is offered with command-and-control integration and maintenance packages. In Latin America, China has previously proposed a J-10CE transfer to Brazil in exchange for access to the Alcântara satellite launch center, but the proposal was rejected due to Brazil’s ongoing Gripen program and concerns about strategic autonomy.
As of early June 2025, Colombia has not issued a final decision on whether it will explore the Chinese offer further. The FAC and the Ministry of Defense continue to assess both options within the framework of Colombia’s national air defense priorities. Accepting the J-10CE would diversify Colombia’s strategic partnerships and mark the first major arms procurement from China, but finalizing the Gripen agreement would formalize the path chosen earlier this year.
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According to Infodefensa, during a state visit to China in May 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro received a formal offer from the Chinese government to supply up to 24 Chengdu J-10CE single-engine multirole fighter jets to the Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC). The proposal was delivered during meetings between President Petro and Chinese President Xi Jinping and includes not only the aircraft but also a package of air-to-air weaponry, with an individual aircraft base price starting at $40 million.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
China’s proposal could be seen more as an attempt to capitalise on the recent operational exposure of the J-10CE during the India-Pakistan conflict, where it was reportedly employed in engagements resulting in the downing of multiple Indian fighter jets. (Picture source: Baidu)
China is also offering payment flexibility, including financing terms and short delivery timelines, citing the production capacity of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The Chinese offer reportedly prompted internal consultations within Colombia, during which President Petro asked the FAC to assess the aircraft’s performance and the feasibility of integrating it into national defense planning. China’s proposal emphasized the J-10CE’s operational use in recent air combat during clashes between Pakistan and India.
According to Pakistani and Chinese sources, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) used the J-10CE to shoot down multiple Indian fighter jets, including a Rafale EH, a Mirage 2000H, a Su-30MKI, and a MiG-29UPG. India has not confirmed these losses. The Chinese delegation presented the combat experience of the aircraft as a distinguishing factor from competitors and highlighted that the J-10CE is not subject to restrictions on the future supply of spare parts or operational use. This is contrasted with potential veto risks that may apply to Western platforms. According to Infodefensa, the Chinese offer was included in the official bilateral agenda and could constitute an alternative to the ongoing negotiations with Sweden for the acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F, which nevertheless officially concluded following the Colombian president’s announcement to purchase the Swedish-made jets.
Colombia had already signed a letter of intent in April 2025 with Sweden to acquire the Gripen E/F variant, following years of evaluation and procurement delays. Saab’s offer included financing through Swedish banks, an eight-year grace period, and offset agreements in non-defense sectors such as renewable energy and water infrastructure. The proposed aircraft for Colombia is identical to the model currently in service with Brazil. Despite these conditions, concerns have been raised in Colombia about long-term dependence on regional partners such as Brazil for logistics and maintenance, and the possible impact of U.S. restrictions on components such as the General Electric F414 engine used by the Gripen. Reports also indicate that the United States had previously applied political pressure and trade measures to encourage Colombia to opt for the F-16 Block 70/72, including proposals that combined new aircraft with donated U.S. Air Force stocks.
China’s proposal should therefore be seen more as an attempt to capitalise on the recent operational exposure of the J-10 during the India-Pakistan conflict, where it was reportedly employed in engagements resulting in the downing of multiple Indian aircraft, including French and Russian fighter jets. and Su-30MKI. Pakistan, the only confirmed J-10CE operator, received its first batch of six units in March 2022 and deployed them in combat by 2025. Analysts note that the aircraft was reportedly used by the PAF in conjunction with Chinese and Swedish airborne early warning systems during the conflict with India, though publicly available information remains limited. The aircraft’s AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missile compatibility, and centralized Chinese combat system integration were also presented as part of the platform’s appeal. The offer to Colombia is part of a broader Chinese campaign to promote the J-10CE internationally, with additional proposals having been made to Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Brazil. For the time being, despite China’s considerable efforts, these countries have chosen other fighter jets, including the Gripen.
The FAC retired its fleet of 22 Israeli-made Kfir fighters in 2023, citing high operational costs and parts cannibalization. Colombia had previously considered acquiring 16 Rafale F4 fighters from France, but this project was canceled due to financial constraints. Discussions also took place with the United States about acquiring 18 F-16Cs/Ds from existing inventories. While the Gripen E was ultimately selected in 2025, the Chinese offer reintroduces uncertainty into Colombia’s procurement process. The potential shift toward China would represent a notable geopolitical reorientation, away from traditional suppliers such as the U.S. and Israel, and toward a supplier that presents itself as free from third-party dependencies or vetoes. Such a change could affect Colombia’s interoperability with its regional and NATO-aligned partners.
China’s interest in selling the J-10CE to Colombia aligns with its broader export strategy for the type. The aircraft, originally introduced in 2004, has undergone multiple iterations, including the J-10A, J-10B, and the currently offered J-10C and J-10CE. The J-10CE is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track systems, and long-range missile capability. It is marketed as a cost-effective multirole platform and is offered with command-and-control integration and maintenance packages. In Latin America, China has previously proposed a J-10CE transfer to Brazil in exchange for access to the Alcântara satellite launch center, but the proposal was rejected due to Brazil’s ongoing Gripen program and concerns about strategic autonomy.
As of early June 2025, Colombia has not issued a final decision on whether it will explore the Chinese offer further. The FAC and the Ministry of Defense continue to assess both options within the framework of Colombia’s national air defense priorities. Accepting the J-10CE would diversify Colombia’s strategic partnerships and mark the first major arms procurement from China, but finalizing the Gripen agreement would formalize the path chosen earlier this year.
