Chinese fighter jet based on Israeli design sold to Muslim-majority Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has become the second Muslim-majority country, after Pakistan, to acquire China's J-10C fighter jet, an aircraft reportedly based on the Israeli Lavi fighter jet design. Uzbekistan officially inducted the 4.5 generation aircraft into its Air Force, with an order for 24 units. The Lavi project, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was canceled in 1988, and foreign reports suggest China subsequently purchased its plans to accelerate its own fighter jet development. The J-10C has seen combat, reportedly used by Pakistan in aerial clashes with India. This acquisition by Uzbekistan highlights China's increasing influence in Central Asia, offering a more affordable alternative to US-made fighter jets like the F-16.