Uzbekistan's Reported J-10CE Deal Signals Shift From Russian Arms
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Reports suggest Uzbekistan has received four Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, potentially the first non-Russian combat aircraft for its air force in decades. Neither Tashkent nor Beijing has confirmed the deal. The unverified reports highlight Central Asia's growing diversification away from Russian military equipment.
Key Facts
- Defense publications reported in July that Uzbekistan received four J-10CE fighters from China.
- A possible contract could cover 24 aircraft, with Uzbek pilots training in China.
- Uzbekistan's Ministry of Defense told Kun.uz it had no information to provide on the reports.
- Russian arms exports fell 64% in 2021–2025 compared with the previous five years, according to SIPRI.
- Russia's share of global arms exports dropped from 21% to 6.8%, making it the third-largest supplier after the US and France.
The Reported Purchase
In July, defense publications reported the delivery of four J-10CE fighters to Uzbekistan. The J-10CE is the export version of the Chinese J-10C multirole fighter built by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Pakistan has already purchased the export variant. Subsequent reports mentioned a possible contract for 24 aircraft and Uzbek pilots training in China. Uzbek news outlet Kun.uz contacted the Ministry of Defense, which said it had no information to provide.
Russian Dominance Challenged
Uzbekistan inherited a Soviet-era combat fleet built around MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. Russia remained the main source of spare parts, weapons, repairs, and upgrades after the Soviet collapse. The J-10CE reports challenge this established model by introducing a different weapons, maintenance, and training ecosystem. According to SIPRI, Russian exports of major arms in 2021–2025 were 64% lower than in the previous five-year period. Russia's share of global arms exports fell from 21% to 6.8%, leaving it the world's third-largest supplier after the United States and France.
Regional Diversification
China offers combat aircraft and air-defense systems, while Turkey has established itself in the drone market. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are developing their own defense industries. Russia retains a strong position in Central Asia because of the equipment regional militaries already operate. Kazakhstan is perhaps the clearest example of this continued reliance.
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Uzbekistan's Reported J-10CE Deal Signals Shift From Russian Arms
