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