China steps up as exporter of military aircraft

China has yet to complete tests on its J-31 stealth fighter but already ranks third in the world for export contracts for multi-role fighters for 2010 to 2017, behind the United States and Russia.
This shows the country has become a major exporter of military aircraft without relying on fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.

China has exported 1,700 aircraft to other countries since it began to do so 35 years ago.According to Huanqiu.com, the website of the nationalistic Global Times newspaper, China ranks third mainly because of the approximately 100 FC-1 Xiaolong (also known as the JF-17 Thunder) fighter aircraft delivered or waiting to be delivered to Pakistan or that have been authorized for production, at a total value of US$2.52 billion.

China has so far delivered 45 of the fighters fighters worth US$870 million and will deliver at least 55 more, valued at US$1.65 billion, over the next four years.The lightweight, single engine multi-role combat aircraft, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corp of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, has been the leading fighter export since the phasing out of the J-7. More than 10 developing nations have shown interest in this cheap and functional third-generation fighter aircraft.

In addition, K-8 trainer aircraft have also brought in significant revenue for China, and it is one of only a few export aircraft that earn money. Egypt has been the largest overseas customer, buying and producing 120 K-8 trainer aircraft.China has also exported 25 Yu-8 transport aircraft.