Uzbekistan receives first batch of Chinese J-10C fighter jets

Uzbekistan has officially received its first batch of Chinese J-10C fighter jets, marking a significant strategic shift in the country’s military procurement. Uzbekistan becomes the third nation to operate this aircraft, following the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force and the Pakistan Air Force.

The acquisition follows reports of Uzbek pilots and maintenance crews undergoing training in China. While exact contract details remain unverified, unofficial reports suggest a total order of 24 aircraft. This move is part of a broader trend in which Uzbekistan is replacing aging Soviet-era equipment, such as the Su-27 and MiG-29, with modern Chinese technology.

To build a more integrated air defense architecture, Uzbekistan has also been phasing out Soviet systems in favor of Chinese-origin platforms, including the HQ-9B, FM-90, and KS-1C ground-based air-defense systems. This transition reflects deepening economic, technological, and strategic cooperation between Tashkent and Beijing.