J-10CE in Azerbaijani Colours: China Pitches Its Fighter at ADEX 2026

[Beijingwalker]

J-10CE in Azerbaijani Colours: China Pitches Its Fighter at ADEX 2026​

by Tamika Johnson | Oct 1, 2026 |

Walk past the outdoor displays at ADEX 2026 in Baku and you will find a Chinese fighter wearing Azerbaijani colours. China's state aerospace group AVIC has parked a full-scale mock-up of the Chengdu J-10CE at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition, painted in Azerbaijan Air Force markings and serial 27-001.

There is no order. Azerbaijan has not announced any plan to buy the J-10CE. But the display, at a show that opened on 30 September, is a very public sales pitch to a country that already flies a Chinese-Pakistani fighter, the JF-17 Thunder.

Informations clés

• Aéronef: Chengdu J-10CE (export J-10C), full-scale mock-up
• Markings: Azerbaijan Air Force roundels, serial 27-001
• Exhibitor: AVIC
• Show: ADEX 2026, Baku, 30 September to 2 October
• Weapons shown: PL-15E and PL-10E air-to-air missiles, fuel tanks
• Order status: No confirmed order
• Azerbaijan fighters: JF-17 Block III, up to 40 ordered from Pakistan

A Fighter Dressed for a Customer​

Painting a mock-up in a prospective customer's markings is a classic airshow tactic. It lets visiting officials picture the jet on their own flight line, and it makes for photographs that travel. According to Defence Security Asia, AVIC showed both the outdoor full-scale model and a smaller indoor model, with the full-scale jet displayed alongside PL-15E long-range and PL-10E short-range air-to-air missiles and external fuel tanks.

The J-10CE mock-up on display at ADEX 2026 in Baku. Image: ORDU.AZ via Defence Security Asia


The J-10CE is the export version of China's J-10C, a single-engine, delta-canard multirole fighter. According to Times of Defence, it is offered with a KLJ-7A AESA radar, an infrared search and track sensor, a helmet-mounted display and 11 hardpoints, and is powered by a single Chinese WS-10 turbofan.

Why Azerbaijan?​

Azerbaijan is rebuilding its air force. In 2025 Pakistan confirmed the sale of up to 40 JF-17 Block III fighters to Baku in a deal reported at around $4.6 billion, and those jets are now in service. The JF-17 is a light fighter co-developed by Pakistan and China's AVIC, so the Azerbaijani Air Force is already used to Chinese-origin avionics and weapons.

For China, the J-10CE has been on a sales run. Pakistan was the first customer, and Uzbekistan confirmed its J-10CEs this summer. The type's reputation got a lift after Pakistan claimed J-10CE and PL-15E kills against Indian aircraft in May 2025, although independent verification of those claims remains limited.

Mock-Up or Message?​

A painted mock-up is not a contract. Azerbaijan has a long history of shopping widely, from Russian and Israeli to Turkish and Pakistani suppliers, and Baku has said nothing about a J-10CE purchase. Still, AVIC does not paint a fighter in someone's colours by accident.

 

[Beijingwalker]

Ilham Aliyev congratulates Xi Jinping on China's National Day

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

According to TodayPress TV, the letter reads:

01.10.2026 11:21

"Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of October 1 – the Founding Day of the People's Republic of China, it gives me great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to the friendly people of China, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

The historic achievements and successes attained by the People's Republic of China in national prosperity, socio-economic and scientific-technical progress, innovative development, and other leading areas under your decisive leadership and through the visionary strategic course you pursue evoke great admiration. Today, China has taken its rightful place among the world's most powerful states and has earned the status of an important and influential power center.

We attach special importance to the development of our relations with China, our friendly country and reliable strategic partner. The high-level political dialogue, mutual trust, and understanding established between us, along with the continuous support our countries demonstrate for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, are characteristic features of Azerbaijan-China relations. The elevation of our interstate ties to an entirely new historical stage – the level of comprehensive strategic partnership – is a vivid practical expression of our firm political will and joint, consistent efforts.

Recently, the chronicle of our bilateral relations has been rich in key events, while our fruitful cooperation in the economic, trade, transport and logistics, investment, energy, agricultural, and humanitarian sectors has developed dynamically, acquiring new substance. The visa-free regime between our countries, which has been in effect for a year, has, in turn, provided impetus to the development of people-to-people contacts and tourism.

At the same time, the Belt and Road Initiative, which you initiated and which Azerbaijan has consistently supported, along with the Middle Corridor and other connectivity projects implemented together with Central Asian countries, serve as important factors in promoting global cooperation.

I note with satisfaction that cooperation between our countries in the energy sector has developed and entered a new stage. The effective activity carried out in the field of renewable energy in Azerbaijan by your country's leading company, Universal Energy, is commendable. The recent inauguration of the Gobustan Solar Power Plant built by the company serves as another example of the diversification of Azerbaijan-China economic ties.

Dear Mr. President,

I am confident that Azerbaijan-China relations of friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership, which have an ancient history and good traditions, will continue to develop steadily and further strengthen through our joint efforts in line with the will of our peoples.

On this festive day, I once again extend my most sincere congratulations to you, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and everlasting peace, prosperity, and well-being to the friendly people of China."

Ilham Aliyev congratulates Xi Jinping on China's National Day — TodayPress.tv

TodayPress TV

todaypress.tv

 

[Beijingwalker]

Baku landmarks to be illuminated with projection of Chinese flag​

01 October, 2026
Baku's Olympic Stadium and the Heydar Aliyev Center will be illuminated with a projection of China"s national flag this evening.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Baku, cited by Report, the initiative is being held to mark October 1, the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Baku landmarks to be illuminated with projection of Chinese flag

Bakus Olympic Stadium and the Heydar Aliyev Center will be illuminated with a projection of China"s national flag this evening.

report.az

 

[m52k85]

Soon Azeris will have more J-17 Blk-IIIs + J-10Cs than Pakistan, and Xi will visit them. Last time Xi came to Pakistan was in 2015. How we have fallen.

 

[sutton9999]

40 JF-17 at $4.6B doesn't make sense.
Suspect it was total 40 jets, JF-17+J10c.

 

[Beijingwalker]

Why J-10C is Rising in the Global Fighter Export Market!​

Sep 29, 2026



Why is China's J-10CE attracting increasing attention in the global fighter jet export market? From its combat experience in the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict to its advanced AESA radar, PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, and modern electronic warfare systems, the J-10CE is becoming an increasingly important aircraft to watch.

In this video, we examine 7 key reasons behind the growing international interest in the J-10CE, including its combat experience, long-range missile capability, advanced avionics, competitive acquisition costs, China's fighter production capacity, integrated weapons ecosystem, and expanding export opportunities.

We also explore how the J-10CE fits into the changing global fighter market, where countries are evaluating alternatives to expensive Western combat aircraft. Pakistan is already operating the J-10CE, Uzbekistan has emerged as another confirmed international operator, and Bangladesh has moved toward a potential acquisition.

The aircraft's combination of modern sensors, long-range air-to-air weapons, multirole capabilities, and Chinese manufacturing support has made it an increasingly relevant option for countries seeking to modernize their air forces.

However, important questions remain about its long-term export success, operating costs, delivery schedules, and performance compared with competing fighters.

Can the Chengdu J-10CE become one of China's most successful fighter jet exports? Watch the full video as we examine the technology, combat experience, and market factors shaping its growing international profile.

 

[ety]

Azeris just bought 40 jf-17, they are not going to buy any J-10 CE ? it's a small country.

 

[Panda_Hi]

Soon Azeris will have more J-17 Blk-IIIs + J-10Cs than Pakistan, and Xi will visit them. Last time Xi came to Pakistan was in 2015. How we have fallen.

There is no need to worry. Politicians have many issues to deal with, and there is never enough time to attend to everything.

-------------------

On media platforms in mainland China, I often see a large number of Chinese netizens showing concern for and supporting Pakistan.

Even in Taiwan, many people are on Pakistan’s side.

Because we know that Pakistan is a country that is friendly toward China.

-------------------

▼▼▼ These are online discussions on Taiwan’s largest consumer electronics forum about the 2025 Pakistan-India conflict. Many Taiwanese people believed that Pakistan was the winner and mocked India.


應該是能確定至少擊落一架法國「飆風」戰機
It seems that at least one French Rafale fighter jet was confirmed to have been shot down.
https://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=780&t=7117395

看來中國的武器真的好用?? 巴基斯坦擊落印度5架戰機
It seems Chinese weapons really are effective?? Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets.
https://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=780&t=7117250

不是3架是4架! 英媒證實印度4陣風戰機被摧毀 加碼暗示還有另4架受重傷
Not three, but four! British media confirms that four Indian Rafale fighter jets were destroyed, and further suggests that another four were seriously damaged.
https://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=780&t=7171042

 

[Shui]

Azeri 's national flag and their president's signature on the mock up plane, looks like a done deal to me.

 

[Michael]

Azeri 's national flag and their president's signature on the mock up plane, looks like a done deal to me.

My suggestion is that we should be more conservative in our assessment.
Azerbaijan is a country deeply influenced by Türkiye. You know what I mean!

 

[Yasser76]

My suggestion is that we should be more conservative in our assessment.
Azerbaijan is a country deeply influenced by Türkiye. You know what I mean!

That did not stop them importing JF-17 with many Chinese systems in it

 

[hussain0216]

Makes sense

Adding j10Cs as a spear tip


Exactly the same set up Pakistan has

 

[Shui]

My suggestion is that we should be more conservative in our assessment.
Azerbaijan is a country deeply influenced by Türkiye. You know what I mean!

We are rdy to export even J-35.