DefenseIndonesia Near Acquisition of 42 Chengdu J-10C Fighters
Indonesia is nearing a decision to acquire 42 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China, according to statements by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The minister indicated the aircraft are expected to operate over Jakarta in the near future.
The procurement would make Indonesia the first country in Southeast Asia to operate the J-10C, which is currently in service with only China and Pakistan. The final decision on the acquisition has been transferred to Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense.
The J-10C purchase is part of Indonesia’s broader defense strategy, aimed at modernizing its air force capabilities. Jakarta’s interest in the Chinese-built fighter has been under discussion since May, when the air force chief confirmed the model was under consideration.
Indonesia is also evaluating additional fighter acquisitions, including more Rafale jets from Dassault and participation in Turkish Aerospace’ KAAN program. These initiatives reflect Jakarta’s multi-source approach to fleet renewal.
In August 2023, President Prabowo Subianto signed a memorandum with Boeing for 24 F-15EX jets, but the prospects for that deal remain uncertain. The potential J-10C acquisition would diversify Indonesia’s fighter inventory and expand its defense partnerships.
If finalized, the J-10C order could influence regional procurement trends and China’s defense export footprint in Southeast Asia.
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