Aircraft
China’s Fighter Export Prospects Remain Uncertain
The FC-31 was a no-show at Zhuhai, and Pakistani officials dampened speculation about a buy.
The Russian RD-93 engine that powers the JF-17 and the FC-31 was on show at Zhuhai. (Photo: Reuben F. Johnson)
The Russian RD-93 engine that powers the JF-17 and the FC-31 was on show at Zhuhai. (Photo: Reuben F. Johnson)

The non-appearance of the Shenyang FC-31 fighter at the recent Zhuhai Air Show is another indication that the type is failing to fulfill both technical and sales expectations. However, the aircraft’s Russian Klimov/Sarkisov RD-93 engine was shown for the first time. This led some observers to believe that this was part of a joint Russian-Chinese initiative to sell the FC-31 to Pakistan, since the same engine powers the Chengdu JF-17/FC-1 fighter that China has co-developed with Pakistan.