Uzbekistan is reportedly moving towards receiving Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, potentially marking a significant break from its longstanding dependence on Russian combat aircraft. China is simultaneously deepening economic ties through energy, mining, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure projects across Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
In addition to the fighter jet deliveries, cooperation is also widening in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, underscoring Beijing's increasingly multidimensional role throughout Central Asia.
Uzbekistan appears to have taken delivery of four PRC-made Chengdu J-10CE multi-role combat aircraft, according to multiple reports, and has an agreement with Beijing to receive a total of 24 fighters.
Russia's grip on Central Asia's arms market has been slipping in recent years, as the increasing demands of maintaining its war effort in Ukraine have sapped its ability to supply weapons to foreign nations.
