J-10C fighter jets from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force’s Bayi Aerobatic Team are set to perform at the upcoming Singapore Airshow for the first time, with the aircraft expected to fly directly to Singapore using in-flight refueling, according to Chinese media reports on Sunday. Analysts say the appearance could boost international interest in acquiring the aircraft.
Following the Chinese Defense Ministry’s announcement on Saturday that the Bayi Aerobatic Team will take part in the 10th Singapore Airshow from late January to early February, China Central Television’s (CCTV) military channel reported that the team has recently carried out intensive training at an airfield in North China to prepare for the event.
Footage aired by CCTV showed both J-10C and J-10S fighter jets participating in the drills.
According to the report, this will be the Bayi Aerobatic Team’s first appearance at the Singapore Airshow since attending the seventh edition in 2020. Previous official reports indicate that the team transitioned to operating the J-10C aircraft in 2023.
As a result, the upcoming airshow will mark the first time the Bayi Aerobatic Team showcases flight demonstrations using the J-10C.
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), which manufactures the J-10 series, also confirmed the development in a post on its official Weibo account on Sunday.
Beyond the debut of the J-10C, the team will introduce new aerobatic routines. Zhang Chunlei of the Bayi Aerobatic Team said in the CCTV report that the display program has been expanded to feature a six-aircraft formation barrel roll, a five-aircraft fly-past, and an axis rotation maneuver by Aircraft No. 6. “These aerobatic moves are making their debut at the Singapore Airshow,” he said.
Zhang also noted that the team’s deployment this year differs from its 2020 appearance, when the aircraft traveled via multiple stopovers without aerial refueling. This time, the jets will complete a direct flight supported by in-flight refueling.
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that the advanced maneuvers and aerial refueling capability demonstrate the PLA Air Force’s high level of combat readiness and highlight the performance of the J-10C.
He added that showcasing the J-10C at major international airshows through live flight demonstrations could help generate greater overseas procurement interest.
Interest in the J-10 platform has increased following reports that its export variant, the J-10CE, achieved combat success in May 2025, downing multiple hostile aircraft during aerial engagements without incurring losses, according to official Chinese media.
Responding to reports that certain countries are in discussions with China regarding potential J-10 procurement, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said at a press briefing on July 8, 2025, that “we have always adhered to a prudent and responsible attitude toward military product exports. We are ready to share the achievements of China’s equipment development with friendly countries and play a constructive role in safeguarding regional and global peace and stability.”
