At ADEX 2026 arms exhibition in Baku, full-scale mockup of chinese J-10CE fighter with Azerbaijani Air Force identification markings was presented. This is very interesting, as Azerbaijanis already purchased Pakistani-chinese JF-17s.
As ordu.az writes, on chinese aircraft mockup besides markings, signature of Heydar Aliyev was placed, who was Azerbaijan's president from 1993 through 2003. This may indicate Baku's heightened interest in procuring J-10CE.
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Another good argument in favor of heightened interest is provided by observer @Rupprecht_A, specializing in chinese weaponry. According to him, chinese previously did not use other countries' symbolics on their full-scale mockups, limiting themselves to PRC or manufacturer company markings.
However worth remembering that even using such symbolics does not mean final purchase decision. Currently no official information about J-10CE procurement negotiations exists.
Defense Express notes on one hand Azerbaijani aviation fleet is already being filled with Pakistani-chinese JF-17. Therefore purchasing another equipment type instead of increasing quantity of already chosen aircraft may look strange.
However worth noting that despite not such large difference in dimensions, J-10CE is still heavier and has better characteristics. Among everything, noticeably greater combat radius without external tanks is declared at 1,240 km versus 900 km, plus greater speed, maneuverability and maximum altitude.
Currently world has example of using both fighters together — Pakistan, which specifically bought J-10CE as heavier complement to own lighter JF-17s. This helped, as in 2025 during combat operations against India, specifically from J-10 French-manufactured Rafale fighter was shot down.
Specifically Pakistani combat success may also become argument for Azerbaijan in favor of creating mixed aviation fleet. However, as already mentioned, currently no public information about possible J-10CE procurement exists.
Overall presentation itself may be part of promotion campaign from chinese defense industry without substance, but quite unusual-for-china markings still point to possible interest. Recall in 2024 Azerbaijan ordered from Pakistan 40 JF-17 Block 3 fighters for approximately $2 billion. They should replace and expand aviation fleet currently comprising MiG-29 and Su-25.
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