China's FC-1 Xiaolong, also known as the JF-17 Thunder in Pakistan, participates in the Dubai Airshow in 2011. (Photo/Xinhua)
A delegation from the Argentine Air Force is likely to visit China very soon to discuss the purchase of Chinese fighters, according to Richard D Fisher and James Hardy, two defense experts based in Washington and London, in their article written for the Jane's Defence Weekly.
However, the Argentine Air Force has not yet decided how many aircraft it will purchase from China. According to one newspaper source, Augustin Rossi, Defense Minister of Argentina, said that the number is no less than 12 and no more than 24. At the same time, the defense minister did not say what type of fighter Argentina was instrested in buying from China.
The local newspaper went on to say that either J-10 or FC-1/JL-17 fighters may be purchased by the Argentine Air Force. Both are the products of Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group located at Southwestern China.