First of all, PAF will be getting these jets after about 5 years as we all know. And as for the version it is still a very long time to go, to manufacture different variants of J-10 with different configurations and then selecting the most optimized one. Just like we saw in JF-17 but would be faster in this case.
The original design of J-10A is still being manufactured for PLAAF as they need a minimum strength to be operational. J-10B with the DSI intakes is in the testing & evaluation phase, IF the design passes the testing phase and the design with DSI intakes proves to be a viable option with no problems in the performance of the aircraft being faced due to the new design then it will go into production, how much time that gonna take, well we all can guess about that but if we see more prototypes of J-10B then it may signal that the design with DSI intakes has been found viable with no problems being faced in the performance of the aircraft, this i believe may happen within a year or little over an year. So once we see that then be assured we will be getting the one with DSI intakes as once the design is finalized the Chinese will put it into production. But main issue is the engine, we have to see its outcome and as what PAF chief had said that this version of PAF will be having TVC too (if i am not mistaken), so we have to see first if the DSI design viable, then the WS-10A engine and its performance has to be seen and also to be seen is that will TVC would be installed or not and if yes in the initial 36 batch or in the future ones.
A lot of journey is still left to be done, we are still seeing JF-17 going through different phases of its journey, FC-20 would also be a long journey to watch to. Looking at the Chinese aviation industry progress, i think in a year to two years time, the picture would be very clear to the progress on FC-20. Do remember China is working on many multiple aircraft projects, so their resources are also not unlimited and priority wise it will also depend.
