Defence

Major setback for India’s Tejas and China’s JF-17 in Argentina’s Fighter Jet Deal

Argentina has finalized an agreement to purchase 24 F-16 jets from Denmark for approximately $300 million, as announced by the government on Tuesday. The deal also encompasses four flight simulators, eight engines, and spare parts for a five-year period.

This marks a significant stride in Argentina’s air force modernization efforts, with the official signing conducted by Argentinian Minister of Defense Luis Petri. The F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Multi-role Lightweight fighters, formerly in service with Denmark, will bolster Argentina’s aerial capabilities.

Denmark’s decision to sell its aging F-16 aircraft comes as part of its plan to transition to F35 aircraft in its fleet. This move received approval from the USA, allowing Denmark to proceed with the sale and provide further upgrades and simulator support. The aircraft were sold at a competitive price compared to other contenders in the tender process, including India and China.

In a collaborative effort with allies, Denmark has generously donated 19 F-16s to support Ukraine’s pursuit of freedom, while simultaneously forging valuable ties with Argentina through the sale of 24 aircraft.

This strategic move by Argentina follows careful consideration of offers for the Indian-made LCA Tejas and the Chinese JF-17. However, the former Danish F-16s emerged as the preferred choice due to their appealing price tag, reportedly less than $24 million per unit. This competitive pricing played a pivotal role in Argentina’s decision-making process.

The signing ceremony not only formalized the deal but also marked the debut of the first Argentinian F-16, symbolizing a significant milestone in the integration of these aircraft into the nation’s air defense framework.

Beyond the fighter jets themselves, Argentina has also secured a comprehensive package including AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles and AIM-120D AMRAAM beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. These advanced weapon systems will substantially augment Argentina’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

The acquisition of these F-16s heralds a considerable enhancement in Argentina’s airpower. With modern, well-equipped jets and advanced weaponry, the Argentinian Air Force gains a substantial advantage in safeguarding its airspace. This deal underscores Argentina’s dedication to military modernization and the preservation of its defense capabilities.

Defence

Fascinating Facts About the FC-31 Fighter Aircraft

Every nation aspires to develop advanced fighter jets, and China is no exception, aiming to create next-generation aircraft that can rival Western counterparts.

In this article, we’ll explore China’s second-most advanced fighter jet and its key features.

Fc-31 is a stealthy twin-engine multirole fighter from China. Its potential as an export fighter is attracting international interest, and it is poised to reshape China’s role in the global aerospace market. This impressive aircraft made its maiden flight on October 29, 2021, marking a significant milestone in China’s aviation capabilities.

The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, also known as the J-31 or J-35, is a Chinese prototype mid-sized twinjet 5th-generation fighter aircraft developed by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Featuring a catapult launch bar and a wing-fold mechanism, the FC-31 showcases advanced engineering and design tailored for modern aerial combat.

1. Size and Design: The FC-31 is a medium-sized fighter jet designed with stealth and agility in mind. It measures approximately 16.9 meters (55.4 feet) in length, with a wingspan of around 11.5 meters (37.7 feet), and stands about 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) tall. Despite being smaller than the Chengdu J-20, its dimensions make it an agile and flexible platform suitable for various missions.

2. Intended Role: China aims to replace its aging fleet of J-10 and J-11 warplanes with the FC-31. When paired with the J-20, the FC-31 represents a significant step toward China’s goal of indigenously mass-producing systems that can reliably challenge American and Russian military systems. This strategic pairing enhances China’s air defense and offense, showcasing its ability to produce competitive fifth-generation fighter jets.

3. Advanced Technology: The FC-31 is equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit featuring multifunction displays (MFDs) and a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system. These advanced technologies provide pilots with real-time crucial flight and combat information, enhancing situational awareness and combat efficiency. The aircraft also boasts a fly-by-wire (FBW) control system, which improves handling and stability during complex maneuvers, making it a highly agile and responsive fighter.

4. Avionics and Radar: The avionics and radar systems of the FC-31 are designed to detect and track enemy targets effectively. The aircraft is believed to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, offering superior range, resolution, and resistance to electronic jamming compared to older radar systems. This advanced radar enables the FC-31 to identify and engage multiple targets simultaneously, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities.

5. Performance and Armament: The FC-31 can take off with a maximum weight of around 28,000 kilograms (61,729 pounds) and can reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 (1,381 mph or 2,222 km/h). For stealth missions, it features an internal weapons bay, but it also includes external hardpoints for additional weaponry, providing flexibility in various combat scenarios.

6. Stealth and Engine: The FC-31 employs stealth coatings instead of “baked-in” fiber-mat stealth, a distinctive feature that differentiates it from other stealth fighters. The aircraft is set to eventually incorporate the Guizhou WS-19 turbofan engine, a fundamentally new design with advanced technology similar to the J-20’s engine. The WS-19 engine boasts a maximum thrust of 10 tonnes-force (98.1 kN), promising enhanced performance and efficiency.

7. International Interest: Recently, Pakistan has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to enhance its air defense capabilities with the acquisition and potential local production of the FC-31 stealth fighter jet. Talks are reportedly underway between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, signaling a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s military aviation prowess. This move highlights the FC-31’s appeal on the international stage and its potential to influence global military aviation dynamics.