According to a report by the Hong Kong South China Morning Post on August 30th, in a video celebrating Independence Day released by Uzbekistan, at least six Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets were publicly displayed. This indicates that Uzbekistan may have purchased the J-10CE, making it the second overseas country after Pakistan to adopt this Chinese fighter aircraft. However, neither China nor Uzbekistan have officially announced any procurement agreements related to this purchase.
A video released by the Office of the President of Uzbekistan on the 29th showed several fighter jets parked on the runway, followed by a formation flight. They received a "water gate ceremony," which is typically used to welcome important guests. There were earlier reports that Uzbekistan had ordered 24 J-10CE fighters, but this has not been confirmed by either China or Uzbekistan. The video does not specify the exact models, numbers, or procurement details of the fighter jets.
Video clip released by Uzbekistan
J-10CE is the export version of the J-10C. It is a 4.5-generation multi-purpose fighter aircraft that can be equipped with active electronically scanned array radar, modern electronic warfare and data link systems. It is also capable of using Pili-10 short-range air-to-air missiles and Pili-15E medium-to-long-range air-to-air missiles.
Pakistan is the first overseas user of the J-10CE. According to a report by the US Department of Defense, as of May 2025, Pakistan has received 20 units of this Chinese fighter aircraft. After the conflict between India and Pakistan last year, the outstanding performance of this Chinese aircraft sparked international discussion. Pakistan has stated that it has downed several Indian military aircraft, including French-made “Rafale” fighter jets using the J-10CE. Reuters previously quoted US officials, who said that Pakistan has downed at least two Indian military aircraft, including one French-made “Rafale” fighter jet.
The director of a research institute at the U.S. Air Force dedicated to studying China's aerospace technology, Brendan Mulvaney, said that Uzbekistan is a relatively small market for military aircraft. What is truly noteworthy is that the country may have chosen Chinese fighter jets rather than products from traditional suppliers like Russia and France. He believes this could be the beginning of China's efforts to expand its overseas customer base for high-end military aircraft.
Malvani analyzed that prices, supply capabilities, financing arrangements, accompanying weapons, and political conditions associated with military sales could all influence Tashkent's choice. Regarding the fighter jets themselves, he believes that the J-10CE offers a ‘comprehensive solution’ superior to other competitors. He specifically mentioned its active electronically scanned array radar and Pechotel-15E missiles, stating that the latter has a range that exceeds many ‘Panavia’ or Russian-made fighters currently equipped with similar weapons.
In addition, compared to Western fighter jets such as 'typhoons' and 'gusts', the J-10CE has a lower price and may also be delivered faster. Currently, some competitors still face an accumulation of orders, while Russian military exports are affected by Western sanctions.
Malvani believes that if the relevant procurement is officially confirmed by both China and Uzbekistan, it also means that Chinese fighter jets are further entering the Central Asian market, which has long been dominated by Russian equipment.
Recently, the J-10CE has been gaining attention in more than one overseas market, with Uzbekistan being one of them.
Bangladesh Prime Minister's Press and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman said on the 25th that Bangladesh is considering purchasing J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters from China, and is moving forward with formal negotiations in this regard. Currently, a government group is drafting the relevant agreements.
Lakhman said that Dhaka has noticed the excellent performance of the J-10CE in conflicts in the surrounding areas. He did not disclose the number of aircraft Bangladesh plans to purchase, the transaction amount, or the delivery schedule, but said that these details will be determined through negotiations.
