Bratva
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Photo source: Chinese Internet
In recent months, there are various reports in China regarding to a military exercise between them & Pakistan called 'Exercise Eagle'. All reports mentioned that the Chinese J-10 had a few mockup air battles againat the F-16, and as a result the J-10 were completely defeated. The above photo of a J-10 got a radar locked by a F-16 in a gun sight surfaced in Chinese Internets. It generates many questions within the country about the true performance of the J-10.
The J-10 & F-16 are almost equal in comparison, I guess it was more about the pilot training rather then the performance of the plane that produces such outcome. China never really practically engaged in an air conflict in many years (the last time was some air skirmish with Taiwan but that was ages ago), thus their pilots lack combat experience. On the other hand, although PAF is a small air force, it has been involved in a number of air wars since 1959. I read an article about a joint exercise between China & Turkey years ago that China was also defeated in mock-up air battles using their J-11. However, very different to the past it seems that China is not scare of losing and is very active in engaging exercises with foreign military in recent years. And within the China it seems they are quite open for criticism too. Opening up its military to the world will create understanding, but most importantly enhance and improve its own capabilities. More good than bad.
PLAAF J-10 locked on by PAF F-16 during 'Exercise Eagle' | Flickr - Photo Sharing!