Uzbekistan’s first J-10 fighter jet spotted in China
Andreas Rupprecht, a researcher who tracks Chinese military aviation, published a photograph he says shows what is likely the first clear image of a J-10CE fighter jet belonging to the Uzbekistan Air Force.
“Likely the first clear(er) image of an Uzbekistan Air Force J-10CE,” Rupprecht wrote.
Uzbekistan has reportedly agreed to purchase 24 J-10CE fighters from China for around $1 billion, a deal that has circulated in defense reporting since at least last year but has not been officially confirmed by Tashkent. The J-10CE is the export version of China’s single-engine J-10C, built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and already flown by Pakistan. Uzbekistan’s air force currently relies on Soviet-era aircraft, including the MiG-29, and a J-10CE purchase would represent a significant shift toward Chinese-made hardware.
Rumors that a contract had been finalized began circulating as early as May 2026, with some reports suggesting the first batch of aircraft was nearing completion at that time.
The Defence Blog first reported on the probable contract in April 2025. Following that report, the Defense Industry Agency under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense asked The Defence Blog to remove the article and delay further coverage.
“I would like to inform you that the given information does not reflect reality. Currently, negotiations are underway with several countries on this matter, and publishing such information may influence our discussions with other nations. We would be deeply grateful if you could postpone the article for some time. Once a final decision is made, we will notify you at your address,” a senior employee of the agency wrote at the time.
The agency has not issued any further statement confirming or denying the deal since that request. Uzbekistan’s government has not published details on the number of aircraft, delivery timeline, or contract value.
No official confirmation of J-10CE deliveries to Uzbekistan has been issued by either the Uzbek Ministry of Defense or Chinese state media.
Source: Defence Blog
