China Sells J‑10 Fighter Jet to Uzbekistan

China has sold its J‑10 fighter jet, a platform derived from an Israeli design, to the Muslim‑majority nation of Uzbekistan. The J‑10 is priced lower than the American F‑16 and is promoted by Beijing to countries that prefer to avoid U. S. military equipment. Uzbekistan’s acquisition marks the first time a Central Asian state has purchased a Chinese‑made fighter from a platform with Israeli roots. The deal underscores China’s expanding footprint in global defense sales and offers Uzbekistan an affordable, modern air‑combat aircraft without the political baggage of U. S. arms. The purchase may influence regional security dynamics by adding a new, cost‑effective fighter to Uzbekistan’s air force.