Key facts
- China has exported J-10C fighter jets to Uzbekistan.
- Uzbekistan may have ordered 24 J-10s, though this figure is unconfirmed.
- The J-10C fighter jet costs around $60 million per plane.
- Uzbekistan is the second foreign operator of the J-10CE after Pakistan.
- China is also flight-testing Y-9E military transport aircraft for Kazakhstan.
- China has sold drones to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
China has exported its domestically developed J-10C fighter jet to Uzbekistan, a move that signals Beijing's growing ambition to diversify its arms export destinations and expand its military partnerships. The J-10C, a fourth-generation fighter, is priced at approximately $60 million per aircraft, making it a more affordable option compared to Western alternatives.
Uzbekistan is now the second confirmed foreign operator of the J-10CE, following Pakistan, which began receiving deliveries in 2022. At least six J-10C jets were observed in official Uzbek state media footage around the country's Independence Day celebrations, providing the clearest evidence of the purchase. Uzbekistan may have ordered a total of 24 J-10s, though this figure has not been officially confirmed by either government. The sale marks a significant development for Central Asia's defense market, as Uzbekistan's combat aviation has historically relied on Soviet and Russian-designed aircraft like the MiG-29, Su-27, and Su-25.
This deal introduces a new supplier, weapons ecosystem, maintenance infrastructure, and training relationship into Uzbekistan's defense system, which has deep Soviet and Russian roots. Russia has traditionally dominated the region's fighter market due to long-term reliance on spare parts, maintenance, and training stemming from Soviet-era inventories. However, Russian arms exports have reportedly fallen sharply in recent years, partly due to strains on its defense industry from the war in Ukraine, prompting some customers to seek alternative suppliers.
China's growing presence in Central Asia's defense market is also supported by its expanding economic influence. China is Uzbekistan's largest trading partner, with significant investments and joint ventures in the country. Beyond fighter jets, China is also supplying military transport aircraft, with Kazakhstan ordering six Y-9Es. China has also been a consistent supplier of air-defense systems and drones to countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.