Indonesia has officially confirmed its plan to purchase at least 42 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China. This decision marks a major milestone in the nation’s air defense history and represents Indonesia’s first large-scale acquisition from a non-Western defense manufacturer.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the news in Jakarta on Wednesday (October 15). In his statement, Sjafrie said the Chinese-made fighter jets would soon take to the skies above the capital.
“They will be flying over Jakarta soon,” he said briefly.
The J-10C procurement aligns with the government’s efforts to modernize and strengthen the self-reliance of the national defense system, even though the delivery schedule has not yet been confirmed.
Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has been actively modernizing its military by purchasing various defense systems from multiple countries, including France, Turkey, and South Korea.
Expanding Strategic Defense Partnership
Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto emphasized that as a non-aligned nation, Indonesia maintains an open defense cooperation policy with various partners. He stated that the decision to purchase the J-10C is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s air defense needs.
According to Tempo, the J-10C offer was made following the visit of the Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff to China to attend an aerospace exhibition. During the event, the Chinese government officially presented the aircraft to Indonesia.
“At the airshow, he saw the aircraft and was also offered the aircraft,” he said, as quoted by Tempo.
Donny added that the final decision on the purchase would take into account the compatibility of the system with Indonesia’s existing defense infrastructure, including flight range and the aircraft’s weapon capabilities.
Budget Support and Cost Efficiency
From a financing perspective, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the government has allocated more than USD 9 billion to strengthen Indonesia’s air fleet. He stated that the defense budget for 2025–2026 has been approved, although the timeline for the J-10C acquisition has not yet been finalized.
“So, everything should be ready. But I have to double check when those aircraft will arrive in Jakarta from Beijing,” Purbaya said.
Compared to other fighter jets, the J-10C is considered more cost-efficient. Estimates place the price of each J-10 unit between USD 30 million and 40 million, significantly lower than France’s Dassault Rafale, which costs around USD 120 million per unit.
Both aircraft are classified as 4.5-generation fighters, but the Rafale offers a longer range of 1,850 kilometers, compared to the J-10’s 1,240 kilometers.
Specifications of the Chengdu J-10C ‘Vigorous Dragon’
The Chengdu J-10C, also known as the Vigorous Dragon, is a single-engine, multirole lightweight fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation under AVIC. It has a length of 16.9 meters, a wingspan of 11.3 meters, a height of 5.7 meters, and a wing area of 45.5 m². Its aerodynamic design allows for high maneuverability comparable to the F-16 and Saab Gripen.
The J-10C variant is equipped with an AESA radar for fast and accurate target detection, advanced avionics, and a fly-by-wire control system that enhances agility and short-range combat performance.
The aircraft can carry PL-12 air-to-air missiles and precision air-to-ground munitions, with a flight range of 1,240 kilometers and a maximum speed of Mach 2. The export version, J-10CE, has already been deployed operationally by Pakistan, making it an attractive and efficient option for developing countries.
A Step Toward Defense Independence
The acquisition of the J-10C adds to Indonesia’s growing list of major strategic defense procurements over the past five years. Previously, Jakarta signed contracts for 42 Rafale fighter jets from France, 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkey, and partnered with South Korea on the development of the KF-21 fighter aircraft.
By diversifying its defense procurement sources, Indonesia aims to build a defense system that does not rely on any single country. This strategy reflects a long-term commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and regional stability amid the shifting geopolitical and security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.
