According to the Global Times, Uzbekistan has ranked second among foreign countries that have adopted Chinese J-10CE fighters, following Pakistan.
According to Sputnik data published in Tashkent on August 31, the J-10CE fighters, which were used by the Pakistani air force in combat conditions, have now appeared in Uzbekistan. This was reported by China's state media, Global Times.
Global Times analyzed materials from the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan and noted the presence of J-10CE fighters. The video material captured six aircraft bearing the distinctive insignia of the Uzbek Air Force.
Global Times concluded that this confirms Uzbekistan's status as the second foreign country to purchase J-10CE fighters after Pakistan, demonstrating the entry of modern Chinese fighters into the Central Asian market.
Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe believes that the six aircraft shown may constitute the first part of a phased delivery. However, neither Uzbekistan nor China has officially disclosed the contract value, the total volume of acquired fighters, or the delivery timelines.
Global Times cited four main reasons why Uzbekistan might have chosen the J-10CE aircraft. Firstly, there is a need to replace outdated equipment in the country's air force with modern models. Secondly, the J-10CE are assessed as more affordable compared to Western fighters with similar capabilities, and they incur lower maintenance costs. Thirdly, these fighters have undergone trials in combat conditions and international exercises; it is known that Pakistan used the J-10CE in clashes with India in May 2025. Fourthly, the J-10CE can operate within a unified information system with other air defense systems produced in China in Uzbekistan.
According to Global Times, the aircraft is equipped with a phased array radar, modern electronic means, and the capability to strike targets at long ranges. It is capable of being used against air, ground, and sea targets. Previously, reports circulated in foreign publications that Uzbekistan might purchase up to 24 J-10CE fighters, but this figure has not been officially confirmed at this time.