# Uzbekistan military procurement from China

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uzbekistan-military-procurement-from-china
> Updated: 2026-08-14T09:08:37.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Uzbekistan has begun a significant modernization of its air force by transitioning from Soviet-era equipment, such as MiG-29 and Su-27 jets, toward Chinese military technology. 

Initial reports indicated that Uzbekistan was evaluating the purchase of 24 Chengdu J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft to reduce its dependence on Russian maintenance and spare parts. During these advanced negotiations, Uzbek pilots were reportedly undergoing training in China.

Following these developments, Uzbekistan officially received its first batch of Chinese J-10C fighter jets. This acquisition makes Uzbekistan the third nation to operate the aircraft. The procurement is part of a broader strategic shift toward integrating Chinese-origin platforms into its air defense architecture, including the use of HQ-9B, FM-90, and KS-1C ground-based air-defense systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Uzbekistan receives first batch of Chinese J-10C fighter jets

Uzbekistan has received its first batch of Chinese J-10C fighter jets, signaling a strategic shift from Soviet-era military equipment toward Chinese defense technology.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uzbekistan-receives-first-batch-of-chinese-j-10c-fighter-jets

### 2026-07-29: Uzbekistan evaluates purchase of 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets

Uzbekistan is weighing a deal for 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, aiming to modernise its air force and reduce reliance on Russian equipment, amid growing Chinese defence exports in Central Asia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uzbekistan-evaluates-purchase-of-24-chinese-j-10ce-fighter-jets

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Cite as: Uzbekistan military procurement from China. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uzbekistan-military-procurement-from-china