A new image of a Chengdu J-10 fighter flying in China has added another piece to the still-unconfirmed reports that Uzbekistan has ordered the J-10CE, the export version of the Chinese fighter.
The photograph shows what appears to be a J-10C/CE during a flight with its landing gear extended. More interestingly, areas where identifying markings would normally be visible appear to have been covered, particularly on the vertical stabilizer.
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The image has consequently been circulated as showing one of the aircraft supposedly being produced for the Uzbek Air Force. However, neither the photograph itself nor its relatively low resolution provides enough information to establish the aircraft's eventual operator.
Chinese military aviation specialist Andreas Rupprecht also expressed caution about the image. According to him, the original and apparently clearer photograph may have been taken as early as last month.
"Interesting claim; allegedly the original, clearer version of this picture was actually taken already last month. I hope it is not again an AI modified version of it," Rupprecht wrote on X.
https://x.com/RupprechtDeino/status/2088933995987747228
His comment introduces another complication. It is unclear whether the photograph now circulating is an untouched copy of the original image or has undergone digital alteration. No clearly identifiable Uzbek markings can be seen in the available version.
The appearance of the aircraft nevertheless gives the persistent Uzbek J-10CE reports more substance than the earlier claims, which largely circulated without photographic evidence tied to an aircraft potentially intended for the country.
No announcements so far
Reports linking Uzbekistan with the J-10CE have circulated for months, but no acquisition has been announced by either the Uzbek government or Chinese authorities. Information originating from Chinese sources has also suggested that Uzbek pilots could be undergoing conversion training, although this remains unverified.
Uzbekistan would be another important export customer for the J-10CE if the acquisition is eventually confirmed. Pakistan became the first foreign operator of the type, which is derived from the J-10C used by China's People's Liberation Army Air Force.
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The J-10CE has an active electronically scanned array radar and can employ Chinese air-to-air weapons including the long-range PL-15E and short-range PL-10E. China has been promoting the fighter internationally as an alternative to Western and Russian combat aircraft.
Uzbekistan currently relies heavily on Soviet-designed combat aircraft, including Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters. A J-10CE acquisition would therefore introduce a new Chinese combat aircraft ecosystem into its air force, making any such decision considerably more significant than a simple replacement of aging fighters.
For now, the photograph provides another indication that an unidentified export J-10 may be undergoing testing in China. Connecting that aircraft specifically to Uzbekistan still requires evidence that has not surfaced publicly.
