As the US mobilises air and naval power near Iranian waters, a symbolic gesture by China to Tehran is grabbing eyeballs. A Chinese official’s gesture of presenting a model of the twin-engine stealth fighter J-20 to an Iranian senior Air Force commander is now being interpreted as a new chapter in the defence engagement between the two countries.
The event happened in Tehran on February 8 during the Iranian Air Force Day celebration. The Chinese military attache presented a mock-up of the J-20 to Brigadier General Bahman Behmard.
The otherwise simple diplomatic formality has achieved a new meaning in the wake of the current geo-political situation. Iranian media have called the move significant amid broader developments in the relationship between the two countries, including new strategic pacts and plans for joint naval exercises with Russia in the Sea of Oman.
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China and Iran have reached major military agreement wherein Iran is set to receive a set of advanced equipment, including J-20 fifth-generation fighter jets, J-10C models, HQ-9 air defence systems, and JY-14 radars. In return, Iran will export about $2 billion worth of crude oil to China, local media reports said.
Some even speculated that there were several military transport flights between China and Iran in recent months, likely carrying some of the equipment. They suggest the delivery process has begun, although there is no official confirmation. Rumours are that China has begun plans to replace Western technologies in Iran with its own modern systems, aimed at reducing Iran’s dependence on foreign infrastructure.
The J-20 is a Chinese fifth-generation fighter aircraft designed and built by Chengdu Aviation. It is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions and first flew in 2011 and entered operational service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force in 2017. It has become the backbone of Beijing's air power in recent years, with the installation of indigenous WS-15 engines and upgrades to its avionics and sensors.
The fighter is considered one of the most advanced fighters in the world and is a tough competitor to fifth-generation fighters such as the American F-22 and F-35.