Indonesia is actively evaluating China's Chengdu J-10C "Vigorous Dragon" fighter jet as part of its ambitious air force modernization program under President Prabowo Subianto's Perisai Trisula Nusantara defense doctrine, with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence reportedly considering the acquisition of 42 units to equip at least two full combat squadrons capable of addressing multidimensional threats across the archipelago's vast airspace.
Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang from the Defence Ministry confirmed that the Air Force is currently evaluating the J-10C to select the best platforms for their primary weapons system, emphasizing Indonesia's pragmatic approach to balancing cost, capability, and strategic sovereignty while modernizing its aging fleet of American F-16s, Russian Su-27/30 Flankers, and British Hawks.
The J-10C represents a formidable 4.5-generation multirole fighter equipped with AESA radar, digital fly-by-wire controls, advanced electronic warfare suites, and the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile with engagement ranges exceeding 200 kilometers, all at a cost-effective price of approximately USD 40-50 million per unit—significantly cheaper than Western alternatives like the Rafale or F-15EX while offering exceptional combat performance validated by Pakistan Air Force's operational deployment since 2022.
This potential procurement marks a historic shift as it would make Indonesia the first ASEAN nation to operate a Chinese fourth-generation fighter, signaling Jakarta's determination to diversify beyond traditional Western suppliers and maintain strategic autonomy despite potential geopolitical tensions with Washington and concerns about U.S. sanctions under CAATSA, while also creating opportunities for technology transfer and domestic aerospace industry development through partnerships with state-owned PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
