Indonesia to Buy 42 Chinese J-10 Fighter Jets in First Non-Western Aircraft Deal

• Indonesia will acquire at least 42 Chengdu J-10C jets — its first large purchase from China, part of a military modernization push.
• The deal is worth around USD 9 billion, according to Indonesia’s Finance Minister. The shift could signal a reorientation in Jakarta’s defence procurement amid balancing ties with the U.S. and China.
• The shift could signal a reorientation in Jakarta’s defence procurement amid balancing ties with the U.S. and China.

Jakarta has committed to purchasing 42 Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, marking its first major military procurement from a non-Western supplier, according to the Channel NewsAsia report. Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the acquisition is intended to upgrade and diversify its fighter fleet.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the budget for the purchase exceeds USD 9 billion, although he added that the timeline for delivery still needs clarification.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

The deal marks a departure from Indonesia’s traditional reliance on U.S., European, and Russian-made aircraft. Its air force already fields a varied mix of platform types, including F-16s (U.S.), Su-27s/Su-30s (Russia), and British, Turkish, and French acquisitions.

Analysts caution that buying Chinese fighters may complicate Indonesia’s defense alignment. Some observers warn it could be read as a tilt toward Beijing, especially in a region where tensions in the South China Sea are already high.

To mitigate risks, Jakarta is expected to rigorously evaluate interoperability, after-sales support, and integration with its existing command-and-control infrastructure.

Technical Notes and Confirmation

This purchase would make Indonesia the second country after Pakistan to operate the J-10C model.

The advanced J-10C variant features AESA radar, more modern avionics, and improved combat performance over earlier iterations.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deal in local media, with Minister Sjafrie stating, “They will be flying over Jakarta soon.”

Context

Jakarta first began considering China-made jets earlier in 2025 alongside options from the U.S. (F-15EX) and France (Rafale). Its defense modernization push aims to replace aging aircraft and reduce logistical dependence on any single supplier.

By acquiring Chinese jets, Indonesia joins a select group of countries diversifying their military sources, signaling a broader shift in Southeast Asia’s defense landscape.