China’s AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Co. posted record profit in 2025 and nearly doubled its first-quarter sales, according to Bloomberg, signaling growing momentum for the fighter jet maker after its aircraft drew attention during last year’s India-Pakistan war.
Revenue rose 15.8% to 75.4 billion yuan ($11 billion) in 2025, while net profit increased 6.5% to 3.4 billion yuan, the company said in a statement. Both figures were the highest on record for the Chengdu-based manufacturer. First-quarter sales climbed nearly 80% from a year earlier.
AVIC Chengdu, one of China’s largest listed defense companies by market value, said its stronger performance was supported by an asset reorganization that now includes its jet-making business.
The company has gained a higher international profile since Pakistan praised the performance of its J-10 fighter jets and JF-17 Thunder aircraft, the latter jointly produced with Pakistan. The J-10 was used in combat during the May 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, one of the first instances in which advanced Chinese weapons were tested in real battlefield conditions.
Pakistan said it shot down multiple Indian aircraft during the conflict, including French-made Rafale jets. India acknowledged losing an aircraft but did not specify the number.
Since the conflict, AVIC Chengdu’s aircraft have drawn greater interest from developing countries. Indonesia has signaled interest in the J-10, while Iraq, Bangladesh and Indonesia have shown interest in the JF-17.
The company said in an investor question-and-answer session last week that expanding arms exports remains a priority. In February, it signed an agreement with the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province to expand aerospace production capacity.
Another major Chinese military aircraft maker, AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co., reported 2025 sales of 44.7 billion yuan and profit of 3.5 billion yuan, up 3.7% from a year earlier. The company, which produces the fifth-generation J-35 fighter, said higher sales lifted earnings. A new factory is expected to begin mass production this year.
Both AVIC Chengdu and AVIC Shenyang are under US sanctions.
