Media Reports: Uzbekistan Has Rejected Russian Su-30SM Fighter Jets
- 17.08.2026, 22:39
- 1,468
Tashkent has decided to purchase Chinese J-10CE fighter jets.
Uzbekistan has likely purchased J-10CE fighter jets from China. If so, Russia has lost a customer for its Su-30SMs, according to Defense Express.
The publication reported that a photo of a J-10CE fighter jet has appeared on Chinese social media, which may confirm Uzbekistan’s purchase of these aircraft.
Although only one photo was published, a number of experts in the field, such as Hûrin, point out that this is most likely a fighter jet intended specifically for that country.
Analysts note that while a photo of this quality can hardly be considered irrefutable proof, discussions point out that this J-10CE lacks an in-flight refueling system, whereas all new fighters of this model are equipped with one. There is also a noticeable difference in the design of the technical markings and inscriptions.
Furthermore, Defence Security Asia reported in late July, citing its own sources, that Uzbekistan signed an agreement for 24 J-10CEs a year ago, in the summer of 2025. The fighter jets are expected to arrive in the near future, and this may even be the second tranche.
At the same time, the Ukrainian publication noted that Tashkent and Beijing have not officially announced the signing of any agreement, although negotiations on the purchase have indeed been underway since May of last year.
Analysts have suggested that if the agreement between Uzbekistan and China regarding the fighter jets is confirmed, it would mean that Russia has lost yet another arms market.
This occurred despite Moscow’s influence in the region and an agreement on the delivery of Su-30SM fighter jets that was nearly signed in 2019.
Analysts noted that the entire combat component of Uzbekistan’s air force consists of 12 MiG-29 fighters and 12 Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. It is likely that all of them are airworthy.
In 2017, Russia and Uzbekistan held negotiations on the purchase of Su-30s to replace these aircraft. Subsequently, in 2019, Russian state media reported on an official request from Tashkent and the possibility of financing the purchase through a loan. However, Uzbekistan likely scrapped the negotiations and moved toward closer defense cooperation with China.
As the publication notes, Tashkent has already purchased Chinese air defense missile systems: the HQ-9, HQ-12, and FM-90. Uzbekistan had also previously rejected a Russian proposal for military transport aircraft, opting instead for the Brazilian C-390 Millennium to replace the An-12.
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