Foreign visitors observe Chinese exhibits, including the J-10CE fighter jet, at the 55th Paris Air Show in Paris, France, on June 16, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Aviation Industry Corporation of China

The 55th Paris Air Show officially kicked off in Paris, France on Monday local time. At this year's event, China's J-10CE fighter jet that has recently achieved remarkable combat success became one of top attractions for media, with many visitors flocking to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) exhibition booth to check out and take photos with the J-10CE model on display. On the Chinese attractions led by the J-10CE at the Paris Air Show, Zhu Qian, deputy head of the AVIC delegation at the event, told the Global Times among a group of media that the participation of aircraft like the J-10CE to the show exemplifies the Chinese aviation industry's commitment to openness and win-win cooperation in global aviation supply chain development.

"Since its debut at the Paris Air Show in 1987, the AVIC has never missed an edition, consistently showcasing aviation equipment that boast technological representations and market competitiveness. Here, we engage in mutual learning and exchange with global peer. This naturally includes the J-10CE fighter and its integrated airborne weapon systems," said Zhu.

He emphasized that the Paris Air Show is the premier event in the global aerospace industry and a vital platform for international cooperation and exchange among aerospace enterprises. It has witnessed the rise of China's aviation sector onto the world stage.

"AVIC shares a profound bond with the Paris Air Show. Since our inaugural participation in 1987, we have walked hand in hand with this event," said Zhu. "The Paris Air Show has witnessed the globalization journey of China's aviation industry. It reflects the Chinese aviation industry's confident transformation from a 'follower' to a 'contender.'"

The Global Times noted that mainstream 4.5-generation fighter jets on the international arms market - including the F-16V, F-15E, Rafale, and Typhoon - made appearances in various forms at this year's Paris Air Show. The J-10CE was also displayed as a scale model, together with PL-15E and PL-10E missile exhibits to showcase "Chinese capabilities."

"I recall that the J-10CE made its Paris Air Show debut back in 2019 and has since been exhibited at multiple renowned international defense expos in recent years. This aircraft has consistently been one of AVIC's flagship products for international showcases," said Zhu, who was a part of the J-10 fighter jet's development team. He believes that the J-10 is an outstanding aircraft. The J-10CE, an export variant of the J-10, is an advanced 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed by China for all-weather operations with a single-engine, single-seat configuration. It boasts exceptional maneuverability, state-of-the-art avionics, a cutting-edge fire-control radar system, and integrated weaponry. The J-10CE is capable of autonomous closed-loop beyond-visual-range engagements while excelling in electronic warfare and coordinated combat in a system, according to Zhu.

The J-10CE fighter jet has demonstrated remarkable combat performance in recent foreign military engagements, significantly boosting its prominence at this year's Paris Air Show. On this topic, Zhu said that the Paris Air Show serves not just as a technology showcase, but more importantly as a bridge for international cooperation. The participation of aircraft like the J-10CE exemplifies China's aviation industry's commitment to open collaboration and mutual benefit in global aerospace development. Chinese aviation professionals remain steadfast in their belief that only through relentless work can we secure an enduring place among the world's leading aerospace nations.

In addition to the J-10CE, AVIC has also showcased its flagship "20 Series" equipment at this year's Paris Air Show, including star products such as the J-35A and J-20 fighters. Notably, this marks the J-35A's international debut. 

Zhu said that AVIC will continue to bring many more advanced aircraft worth anticipating in the future.