Indonesia is set to acquire Chinese Chengdu J-10 fighter jets as part of its ongoing military modernization drive, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed on Wednesday. The move marks a deepening of Jakarta’s defense ties with Beijing, even as it continues parallel negotiations with Washington for U.S.-made F-15EX jets. Analysts say the decision reflects Indonesia’s strategy to diversify its defense partnerships while strengthening air power across the region.
Jakarta, Indonesia — Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced on Wednesday that the country is set to acquire Chengdu J-10 fighter jets from China, marking a significant step in Jakarta’s efforts to modernize its air force and diversify defense partnerships.
“They will be flying over Jakarta soon,” Sjamsoeddin told reporters, according to Indonesia’s Antara News Agency. He declined, however, to specify the delivery timeline or the number of aircraft involved.
The acquisition underscores Indonesia’s growing strategic and defense cooperation with China at a time when the Southeast Asian nation is also in talks with the United States for the purchase of F-15EX fighter jets.
In June 2025, Reuters reported that Jakarta was evaluating the Chinese J-10 alongside the U.S.-made F-15EX, with Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirming that factors such as system compatibility, after-sales support, and pricing were under review.
China’s Response and Expert Commentary
Chinese military analyst Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that the J-10 has “strong capabilities and high cost-effectiveness,” describing it as a “combat-proven aircraft” that has gained credibility in the global arms market.
“The J-10’s advanced radar detection systems and powerful air-to-air missiles make it a suitable and affordable choice for Indonesia,” Zhang said, noting that Jakarta’s decision aligns with its pragmatic approach of diversifying defense suppliers.
In 2022, Indonesia signed an $8.1 billion deal with France to purchase 42 Rafale jets, six of which are expected to arrive next year. The move forms part of Indonesia’s broader military modernization plan, aimed at replacing ageing aircraft and enhancing aerial defense capabilities.
Regional and Strategic Context
Defense analysts say Indonesia’s latest purchase reflects a balancing act — maintaining relations with both Beijing and Washington while avoiding overdependence on any single defense supplier.
Zhang noted that this multi-sourcing strategy is “a reasonable approach to safeguard national security without putting all eggs in one basket.”
China has yet to issue an official statement confirming the J-10 sale. However, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin reiterated in July that Beijing takes “a prudent and responsible attitude” toward arms exports, emphasizing China’s willingness “to share the achievements of its defense development with friendly countries” in the interest of global stability.
