The Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) search for a second type of fighter jet has reportedly led China to propose the sale of J-10 aircraft from Chengdu.
According to the Brazilian outlet Veja, the Chinese government has reportedly submitted a proposal to Brazil to supply J-10C fighter jets, generation 4.5.
However, the talks have not progressed for reasons that have not been clarified. The J-10 is a medium-sized fighter jet that entered service in 2004 and is similar to the Eurofighter Typhoon.
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The only foreign customer is Pakistan, with 25 jets on order, 20 of which have already been received. China has long tried to find customers in South America, but without success.
Argentina selected the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter, but resumed analysis of other aircraft. The United States decided to authorize the sale of second-hand F-16 fighters from Denmark, which closed a deal in 2024.
The Brazilian Air Force, in turn, has a contract for 36 Saab Gripen E/F fighters in force, of which 15 will be assembled in Brazil in partnership with Embraer.
However, lack of financial resources has delayed deliveries. So far, only eight aircraft have been added to the FAB, and in 2024 only one fighter was sent from Sweden.
Preliminary agreement with Sweden
At the beginning of last year, the Air Force confirmed talks with the United States for the supply of a batch of F-16 fighters, at the same time that its commander revealed that the Indian Tejas fighter could be an attractive alternative.
France also reportedly presented a comprehensive proposal to the Brazilian government that included Rafale fighters.
In November, the defense ministers of Brazil and Sweden signaled that they had reached a pre-agreement for more Gripen fighters to be acquired while the European country’s air force will replace its C-130 Hercules with Embraer’s C-390 airlifter.
