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## Overview China's 4.5-generation J-10CE fighter aircraft is widening its overseas reach, with exports serving as a substitute for battle-testing that would otherwise require China to send its own forces to war (SCMP, September 11, 2026). Uzbekistan's confirmation of J-10CE entry into service ends months of speculation, but a subsequent SCMP opinion piece argues the aircraft is gaining export traction without yet winning a clean, competitive contest against rival suppliers (SCMP, September 14, 2026). Indonesia is now set to become the third international operator, with first deliveries expected within six months (SCMP, October 6, 2026). ## Details Pakistan provided the aircraft's first major combat test during its four-day conflict with India in May 2025, when Islamabad's J-10CEs reportedly downed at least two Indian aircraft, including a French-built Rafale, according to two US officials cited by Reuters — though the precise losses remain disputed (SCMP, September 11, 2026). Uzbekistan has now confirmed the J-10CE has entered service in its air force, ending months of speculation about the deal (SCMP, September 14, 2026). Bangladesh has reportedly produced a draft procurement paper for the Chinese aircraft, marking a third data point in its export expansion (SCMP, September 14, 2026). However, an SCMP opinion piece cautions that, taken together, these three developments (Pakistan combat use, Uzbekistan service entry, Bangladesh draft procurement) show the J-10CE is gaining traction without yet having won a clean, head-to-head competitive contest against rival fighters (SCMP, September 14, 2026). Indonesia confirmed an order of 42 J-10CE jets ("Vigorous Dragons") in October 2025, with an approved budget of US$9 billion, according to a report citing Indonesian outlet Republika (SCMP, October 6, 2026). The first delivery is expected around April 2027, roughly six months from the October 2026 report, though the number of aircraft to be delivered in the initial batch is not yet known (SCMP, October 6, 2026). This would make Indonesia the third confirmed international operator of the J-10CE, alongside Pakistan and Uzbekistan (SCMP, October 6, 2026). ## Why It Matters The J-10CE's combat performance against India — a rare real-world test of Chinese-made weapons against Western-designed aircraft — has become a key marketing tool for Chinese arms exports. Its expanding customer base (Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and potentially Bangladesh) signals China's growing competitiveness in the global fighter jet export market, challenging traditional Western and Russian suppliers, with implications for regional balances of power in South Asia, Central Asia, and now Southeast Asia. Indonesia's large-scale order (42 jets, $9 billion) is the most substantial confirmed commitment to date, lending more weight to China's export momentum than the smaller or still-speculative deals with Uzbekistan and Bangladesh. Yet commentary suggests this growth may reflect opportunistic uptake rather than proven superiority in open competition, a distinction relevant to assessing the durability of China's export momentum. ## Key Entities - China — manufacturer of the J-10CE - Pakistan — first major combat user of the J-10CE - Uzbekistan — confirmed new export customer, J-10CE now in service (SCMP, September 14, 2026) - Bangladesh — reportedly drafted a procurement paper for the J-10CE (SCMP, September 14, 2026) - Indonesia — ordered 42 J-10CE jets for US$9 billion (October 2025); first deliveries expected around April 2027, making it the third international operator (SCMP, October 6, 2026) - Rafale — French-built aircraft reportedly downed by J-10CE in 2025 India-Pakistan conflict