China’s AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the manufacturer of the J-10C fighter jet, has posted its highest-ever revenue and profit figures, a surge attributed to the aircraft’s combat performance during a recent conflict between Pakistan and India.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the state-owned jetmaker’s revenue climbed 15.8% to 75.4 billion yuan (approximately $11 billion) in 2025. Net profit also rose 6.5% to 3.4 billion yuan during the same period. The company’s first-quarter sales saw an even sharper increase, jumping nearly 80% year-on-year.
Combat Debut Boosts Market Credibility
The financial milestone comes after the J-10C saw its first major combat deployment in May 2025. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which inducted the J-10C into its fleet in March 2022, used the aircraft during a brief but intense 87-hour conflict with India.
The confrontation began on May 6, 2025, following an attack on tourists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. During the hostilities, Pakistan reported downing seven Indian fighter jets—including French-made Rafale aircraft—and dozens of drones. The PAF credited the J-10C, along with Chinese-made HQ-9 air-defense systems and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, for the successful operations.
Military Officials Praise Chinese Platforms
In the aftermath of the conflict, Pakistani military officials publicly lauded the performance of Chinese defense equipment. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated in an interview last October that “recent Chinese platforms… have demonstrated exceptionally well.”
The conflict ended on May 10, 2025, with a US-brokered ceasefire. A subsequent report presented to the United States Congress in November 2025 acknowledged Pakistan’s “military success over India,” attributing the edge to advanced Chinese weaponry employed during the engagement.
Industry Implications
Chengdu’s record financial performance highlights the growing global demand for Chinese-made fighter jets, particularly as their combat effectiveness is proven in real-world scenarios. Analysts suggest that the J-10C’s performance in the Pakistan-India standoff could lead to further export orders, strengthening Beijing’s position in the international arms market.
