Mockup of Chinese J-10C fighter with Azerbaijani flag displayed at ADEX in Baku

China’s AVIC displayed a full-scale J-10CE mockup bearing Azerbaijani Air Force markings and President Ilham Aliyev’s signature at the ADEX 2026 defense exhibition in Baku. There is no official information on a purchase.

China’s aviation conglomerate AVIC displayed a full-scale mockup of the J-10CE, the export version of the J-10C multirole fighter, at the ADEX 2026 International Defense Exhibition in Baku. The mockup carries Azerbaijani Air Force markings with the serial number 27-001, an Azerbaijani flag on its tail and the signature of President Ilham Aliyev on the fuselage.

A J-10CE fighter at the Zhuhai Airshow (file, 2024)

Azerbaijani defense outlet Armiya.az stressed that the flag and signature do not mean Baku has bought the aircraft, noting there is no official information about a J-10C acquisition or supply contract. Industry publications see the display as part of China’s export campaign.

Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, the J-10C is one of the Chinese Air Force’s main tactical platforms. Pakistan became the first foreign customer of the J-10CE, receiving its first jets in 2022.

A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder Block III (file, 2025)

Azerbaijan is modernizing its air force with the JF-17 Block III, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. According to industry publications, the deal was expanded in 2025 to 40 aircraft worth about $4.6 billion. ADEX 2026 runs at the Baku Expo Center from September 30 to October 2.