J-10C
China's workhorse 4.5-generation single-engine multirole fighter — a delta-canard design with an AESA radar, active in PLAAF and Pakistani service, and credited with the type's first air-to-air kill in 2025.
China’s J-10C fighter and its J-10CE export version serve China, Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with Uzbek service documented in August 2026 by Kun.uz.
Overview
The Chengdu J-10C (export designation J-10CE) is the principal current variant of China’s J-10 “Vigorous Dragon” (Menglong) family. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fielded more than 300 J-10Cs in 2025 (est.), according to RUSI. Pakistani J-10CEs fought in the May 2025 India–Pakistan clashes, as documented by Reuters and The War Zone. Uzbekistan became an additional operator in August 2026, when its Defence Ministry released footage of the fighters in service, according to Kun.uz. AVIC chief designer Li Jun outlined continued J-10CE development and customer customization in May 2026, according to China Daily.
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