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J-10 fighter gets local power boost

19th May 2021 - 09:14 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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There is now sound photographic proof that the J-10C fighter powered by the indigenous WS10B engine is now in PLAAF service. (Photo: China National Radio)

Locally produced jet engines are now powering single-engine fighters of the PLAAF.

China has long struggled with developing advanced high-performance jet engines for fighters of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). However, a watershed has been reached with images of a J-10C fighter powered by a WS10B engine recently appearing on the Chinese internet.

An image from China National Radio showed a Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) J-10C with low-visibility PLA Air Force (PLAAF) markings taking off as part of live-fire exercises somewhere in China.

The mere fact that the WS10 engine is now employed on an operational J-10 fighter is not surprising, but what analysts have been seeking is proof

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