Indonesia to Buy Chinese Fighter Jets in Historic Defense Deal

Post by : Saif Nasser

Indonesia is set to buy Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, marking the first time the Southeast Asian nation has purchased military aircraft from a non-Western country. The deal comes as part of Indonesia’s ongoing effort to modernize its aging military and strengthen its defense capabilities.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters that the Chinese fighter jets “will be flying over Jakarta soon.” Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the government has approved a budget of around $9 billion for the purchase.

Indonesia has already ordered 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets worth $8.1 billion, with the first deliveries expected early next year. The addition of Chinese jets provides the country with more strategic options and flexibility in defense planning.

The J-10C aircraft recently gained international attention after Pakistan reportedly used them to shoot down French-made Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force in May during clashes with India.

Defense expert Connie Rahakundini Bakrie said that Indonesia’s move shows its “free and active” foreign policy. “This is not about changing alliances. It is about expanding strategic options,” she said. “Indonesia wants to make independent decisions, engage with all countries, and protect national interests without being drawn into major power rivalries.”

The decision also reflects Indonesia’s careful approach to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and the contested South China Sea. Bakrie added, “The South China Sea could become a hotspot again. Indonesia needs a balanced approach to secure its sea lanes, airspace, and digital networks.”

Indonesia’s military modernization program aims to equip the country with a mix of Western and non-Western military technology, allowing it to maintain defense independence while strengthening regional security.

The acquisition of J-10C fighter jets represents a historic shift for Indonesia and is likely to draw attention from countries across the Indo-Pacific region. The government emphasized that the move is strategic and focused on defense, not politics.

As Indonesia prepares to receive the jets, officials say training, maintenance, and integration with existing forces will be key priorities. The program is expected to enhance Indonesia’s air defense and ensure that it is ready to respond to any regional threats in the years ahead.