Uzbekistan has become the second foreign country to acquire China’s J-10CE fighter jets after Pakistan.
The development came to light after an official video showed the Chinese-made fighters in Uzbekistan.
The video came from the office of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It marked the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
At Least Six J-10CE Fighters Seen
The video showed at least six J-10CE fighter jets.
The aircraft appeared on a runway and flew in formation. The footage also showed the jets taking part in a water-cannon salute.
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The appearance of the aircraft gives the clearest public sign yet that Uzbekistan has received the Chinese fighters.
Reports had earlier claimed that Uzbekistan ordered 24 J-10CE aircraft.
However, Uzbekistan and China had not confirmed that number. The latest footage also does not show the full number of aircraft involved in the reported deal.
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Pakistan Was the First Foreign Buyer
Pakistan became the first foreign buyer of the J-10CE.
The Pakistan Air Force operates the Chinese-made fighter as part of its combat fleet.
Pakistan used J-10CE fighters during its conflict with India in May 2025.
Pakistani officials said the aircraft helped shoot down Indian fighter jets. The claims included French-made Rafale aircraft.
The claims remain disputed. Reports about the May 2025 air battles also contain different accounts from India and Pakistan.
Bangladesh Is Also Seeking the J-10CE
Bangladesh has also moved closer to buying the Chinese fighter.
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Bangladeshi Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Dhaka was moving toward formal talks with China.
The talks concern the possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters.
Bangladesh is seeking to modernize its air force. Local reports have mentioned a possible purchase of up to 24 J-10CE aircraft.
However, Rahman did not confirm the number of aircraft, the cost or the delivery schedule. Those details will depend on future negotiations.
China Expands J-10CE Export Market
The J-10CE is the export version of China’s J-10C multirole fighter.
The aircraft can carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It also uses modern radar, avionics and weapons systems.
Uzbekistan’s move adds another country to China’s growing fighter-jet export market.
It also gives Beijing a larger role in Central Asian defense.
For Uzbekistan, the J-10CE can help diversify its sources of military aircraft. The country has long operated Soviet- and Russian-designed aircraft.
The arrival of Chinese fighters therefore marks an important step in the modernization of Uzbekistan’s air force.
A New Phase for China’s Fighter Exports
Pakistan’s combat use of the J-10CE has increased global interest in the aircraft.
Uzbekistan’s acquisition now gives China another foreign operator for the fighter.
Bangladesh is also considering the aircraft. If Dhaka completes its planned purchase, the J-10CE could gain another major customer in South Asia.
For China, these developments could strengthen the position of the J-10CE in the international fighter market.
