China Challenges Russia's Arms Dominance in Central Asia Amid Ukraine War Demands
China is increasingly challenging Russia's long-standing dominance in the Central Asian arms market. Reports indicate that Uzbekistan has received four PRC-made Chengdu J-10CE multi-role combat aircraft, with an agreement for a total of 24 fighters. While Uzbek and Chinese officials have not yet confirmed the delivery, this move signals a significant expansion of China's military cooperation in the region. Russia's ability to supply weapons to foreign nations has been strained due to the increasing demands of its war effort in Ukraine, leading to a decline in its grip on the Central Asian arms market. Consequently, some Central Asian states, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are not only diversifying their arms purchases but also developing domestic arms manufacturing capabilities, particularly for drone production. 
