Indonesia is considering an offer from China to purchase J-10 fighter jets, the same aircraft recently used by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in air battles with India.
Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirmed the offer during a public discussion in Jakarta. He said the proposal came during a visit by Indonesian Air Force officials to China. Taufanto clarified that Jakarta has not yet dispatched a technical team or moved forward with the evaluation. “This is just an offer,” he said.
Indonesia is assessing whether the J-10 aircraft can meet operational requirements and integrate with its current systems. The offer follows recent high-profile use of the jets by Pakistan.
It merits a mention that Pakistan used Chinese-manufactured J-10C’s in its recent battle with India. According the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PAF used J-10C to shoot down at least 6 Indian jets, including Rafales.
The J-10C fleet was inducted by Pakistan in 2022 as a part of larger strategy to modernise Pakistan’s air superiority.
India also purchased the highly sought-after French Rafale jets.
The Pakistan Air Force’s use of the J-10C has drawn international attention, with military analysts noting its performance under real combat conditions.
The J-10’s success in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements during the conflict with India has defence circles around the globe expressing amazement, including Indonesia.
Indonesia has never purchased fighter jets from China before, but has previously acquired air surveillance systems and munitions. A decision to buy the J-10C would mark a significant deepening of defense ties with China.
Indonesia is reportedly exploring aircraft options from several countries, including South Korea, Turkey, and the United States.
Taufanto said Indonesia’s defense policy is non-aligned and pragmatic. “If we find that the jet performs well, meets our criteria, and comes at a good price, why not?” he said, referring to the J-10.
