China is capable of exporting modern fighter aircraft to developing countries while at the same time upgrading the technical standards of its own domestic aircraft manufacturing industry, according to Russian media cited by China's nationalistic tabloid Global Times.
The FC-1 Xiaolong fighter, also known as JF-17 Thunder, is suitable for use by developing countries that cannot afford fifth-generation fighters, the article said. The Xiaolong is a more affordable solution for these countries, as they are less likely to be attacked by stealth aircraft and have no need to carry out long-range strikes, the paper said.
The Xiaolong is made of composite materials, which makes it lighter and improves its stealth capability. Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) may even replace the fighter's Russian RD-93 engine with an indigenous turbofan engine if there proves to be sufficient demand. China is also considering whether it should allow countries which cannot afford to buy the aircraft outright to rent fighters.
Read the full story at Want China Times