What Happened
Beijing Expands Defence Exports Amid Russian Wartime Constraints
Uzbekistan has become the second foreign operator of China’s J-10CE fighter jet, following Pakistan. The development signals a significant transformation in Central Asian airpower procurement, potentially weakening Russia’s military influence in the region. The J-10CE programme introduces advanced Chinese fighter technology, including active electronically scanned array radar and long-range air-to-air missiles, which could reshape the regional airpower balance. According to Defence Security Asia, the programme may create strategic openings for China, while Russia’s wartime constraints and sanctions pressure have complicated its ability to supply defence equipment to the region.