On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) aircraft complex, becoming the first foreign head of state to tour the facility that manufactures the J10C fighter jets. The visit came on the 128th day of the ceasefire with India. President Zardari, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was received by Chinese officials at the complex.
He was accompanied by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Asifa Bhutto, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.
The President toured the facility where J10C aircraft are manufactured and was briefed on the production of the J10, JF-17, and China’s latest J20 stealth fighters.
The J-10C’s Role in ‘War of Justice’
Officials highlighted the decisive role the J-10C fighter jet played in the May 2025 conflict known as the “War of Justice” (Marka-e-Haq). During the briefing, officials also praised the “outstanding” performance of the J-10 and JF-17 aircraft in Operation Banyan Marsus.
President Zardari lauded the technological advancement of the jets, calling them a “force multiplier” for the Pakistan Air Force. In addition to the fighter aircraft, he was given insights into China’s progress in drone technology, automated units, and multi-domain operations. He emphasized the importance of these advancements in strengthening Pakistan’s air defense and operational readiness.
President Zardari described AVIC as a “symbol of China’s technological superiority” and reaffirmed the strategic defense partnership between Pakistan and China. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with China in defense production and aviation, noting that this collaboration has already enhanced the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.
