Uzbekistan Debuts Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets

Uzbekistan has publicly unveiled its new Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, according to state television footage showing six aircraft flying in formation before landing at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base. The broadcast confirms Uzbekistan as only the second foreign operator of the advanced fighter jet, after Pakistan, which has flown the J-10CE in tensions with India. The move signals Tashkent's deepening military ties with Beijing as China expands its footprint in Central Asia's defense markets, a region traditionally within Russia's orbit. Analysts are likely to watch the deal closely as another sign of China's growing willingness to export advanced weaponry to nations seeking alternatives to Western or Russian suppliers. No further details on the size of the purchase or delivery timeline were disclosed in the state broadcast.