From Pakistan to Uzbekistan: how China’s J-10CE is widening its overseas reach

China's J-10CE is gaining a broader export footprint after Pakistan provided the 4.5-generation fighter's first major combat exposure during its four-day conflict with India in May 2025. Uzbekistan has since become the second confirmed foreign operator, introducing the aircraft into a force historically dependent on Soviet designs, while Bangladesh has submitted a draft acquisition proposal for government approval. Each operator could expose the design to new climates, doctrines, basing conditions and potential adversaries, generating operational knowledge for China without deploying its own forces. Pakistan's reported air-combat results remain disputed, and Bangladesh had not concluded a firm purchase at publication.