Indonesia is considering a Chinese offer to purchase its battle-tested J-10 fighter jets, as Jakarta continues efforts to upgrade its air force amid growing regional security concerns. The proposal comes as part of China’s broader push to expand its defense exports and deepen military ties with Southeast Asian nations.
According to people familiar with the matter, Beijing has approached Indonesia with a deal to supply the Chengdu J-10, a multi-role combat aircraft that China has recently deployed in operations, including joint drills and combat readiness missions. While the terms of the potential agreement have not been disclosed, the offer is reportedly being seriously evaluated by Indonesian defense officials.
Indonesia’s defense ministry has not made a public statement regarding the proposal, but sources say discussions are at an early stage. The government is said to be weighing performance, cost, and geopolitical considerations before making any decision.
The J-10, often compared to Western fighters like the F-16, is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and has been a central component of China’s growing air power. Its most advanced variant, the J-10C, features an AESA radar, improved maneuverability, and compatibility with a wide range of munitions.
Indonesia is currently seeking to modernize its aging fleet of aircraft, some of which date back to the 1980s. In recent years, Jakarta has pursued procurement deals with multiple suppliers, including France’s Dassault Rafale and the U.S.-made F-15EX. Indonesia has already signed agreements to acquire both platforms, but timelines for delivery and budgetary constraints remain challenging.
The Chinese offer could serve as a cost-effective and timely supplement to those deals, especially as Indonesia seeks to strengthen its air defense posture in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific region.
However, accepting the J-10 deal could have implications for Indonesia’s relations with its traditional defense partners, particularly the United States. Washington has been encouraging Southeast Asian nations to reduce military reliance on China, citing concerns about transparency and interoperability with Western systems.
Despite this, Jakarta has historically followed a non-aligned foreign policy and is known for diversifying its military acquisitions. Analysts say the Indonesian government is likely to balance strategic autonomy with practical defense needs when evaluating China’s offer.
The Chinese government, for its part, is eager to demonstrate that its weapons systems can compete with those of Western rivals. State media has promoted the J-10 as a “combat-proven” platform, citing recent military exercises and its deployment by Pakistan.
If Indonesia proceeds with the purchase, it would become one of only a few nations outside of China to operate the J-10, following Pakistan’s adoption of the fighter in 2022. Such a deal could mark a significant step in China’s efforts to expand its influence in Southeast Asia through military cooperation.
A final decision on the proposal is not expected immediately, as Indonesia continues to assess the offer alongside its broader defense modernization goals and regional security strategy.
Source; Bloomberg
