Uzbekistan reportedly receives four Chinese J-10CE fighters, signaling Beijing’s growing military influence in a region traditionally dominated by Russia.
Uzbekistan has taken delivery of four Chinese-made Chengdu J-10CE multi-role combat aircraft, according to reports citing photographic evidence. The initial shipment is part of a larger agreement for 24 fighters, though neither Tashkent nor Beijing has confirmed the deal.
Russia has long been the primary arms supplier to Central Asia, but China’s expanding military exports challenge Moscow’s dominance. The J-10CE deal follows Beijing’s recent arms sales to other regional states, including Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
No immediate market reaction was reported, but the shift could reshape defense procurement trends in energy-rich Central Asia, potentially affecting long-term geopolitical alliances and arms trade flows.