For the government, cash is more flexible and preferred...
goods/investment are too slow...
I'll say it like this: I'd rather have Iran get most of that money 'repaid' by infrastructure projects and products/military equipment, than payment of a lump sum of money (god knows what happens with that). Sadly that makes Iran the same as Africa: in order to prevent corruption, don't pay cash, build/make things and invest.
I think Russia, China and US will not sell their top stealth fighter to other countries..
The available stealth fighter in market will be F35 and J31...
US is not likely to sell F35 to Iran in short time. J31 is still in development and may take many years.
Non-stealth fighter like SU35 will be a good choice. big, long range and powerful enough
J10 is more likely a defensing fighter that cost less but can effectively replace Iran`s old fighter and protect the air,
But J10 lacks capacity of attacking and very long range..
For 5 years, any arms we buy requires UNSC approval, after that, limitation is lifted. So for now, western members of UNSC can effectively sabotage any arms deal between Iran and China.
Iran's air force is aging now, I think the only things we need for now are Su-34, Su-35, PAK FA or J-31 (though it's yet to be tested and proved) and even J-20 (if China is willing to sell it). Anything except those options is not going to help our air force much.
The deal sounds reasonable partly.
1: China owes Iran a lot of money for oil import. These money cannot be transferred to Iran due to economy sanction.
The weapons can be used to pay the owed money.
2: Iran air force is aging and in urge need for new fighter.
J10 is a standard 3rd generation fighter than can meet Iran demand for air defense.
J10 lacks long range attack capacity which will not cause surrounding countries fear.
Problems will be:
J10 is still important part of PLA air force. China has not yet sold to the solid and most important friend Pakistan.
Unless the better fighter J20 enter service(2017-2020 possibly), China is not likely to sell J10 in short time.
For Iran, J10 is a low cost air defense fighter.
If Iran want aggressive air force and is willing to pay more, Su 30/Su35 can bring more attacking power.
So this deal will not come to reality in short time.
In long term it may be possible, but many uncertain..
What do our Chinese friends think of this? And don't 20 year rights to the single biggest Iranian oilfield sound a bit much for 24 jets? Also, is the j-10 still produced? I read somewhere it's not produced anymore. Thanks.