The cost of a J-10 fighter jet is estimated to be around $40 million, but Iran does not need to spend a single dollar for the deal. (Photo : Xinhua)
Iran and China have agreed to a contract that will permit the latter to harvest oil in the Azadegan oilfield for 20 years in exchange for 24 F-10 Vigorous Dragon jets.
The cost of such particular fighter jet is estimated to be around $40 million, but Iran does not need to spend a single dollar for the deal.
With a range of 2,940 kilometers, the jets will be capable of surveying and defending the majority of Iran's airspace, as well as the area in the Persian Gulf.
Military analysts speculate that the U.S. will not be at ease with the deal and may resort to international pressure to condemn China for the deal.
Furthermore, the agreement could face U.S. scrutiny and condemnation in light of the latter's recent nuclear deal with Iran.
That deal permitted Iran to harness nuclear power for energy generation purposes on the condition that the country open its doors to international inspectors.
There is also a fear among observers of the possibility that Iran might use the new acquisitions against U.S. interests in the region, while others downplayed the military power of 24 fighter jets to influence events in the Middle East.
There are reports that the technology utilized by the aircraft was provided for by Israel, although officials strongly deny such rumors since Iran is a sworn enemy of Israel in the region.
Aside from Iran, Pakistan was also the beneficiary of a similar deal with China back in 2009.
Beijing agreed to sell 36 export versions of the J-10B fighters known as FC-20 to Pakistan in an agreement worth $1.4 billion.
The FC-20s are equipped with SD-10A Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile.
