Indonesia to Buy 42 Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets

Indonesia will acquire at least 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, its first large combat aircraft purchase from a non-Western supplier, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said.

«They will be flying over Jakarta soon,» he noted without giving delivery details.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government has approved a budget of over $9 bn for the deal. The J-10C plan was first flagged last month as the air force evaluated the jets for Indonesia’s air defence needs.

The move is part of a wider military upgrade under President Prabowo Subianto, alongside orders for 42 Dassault Rafales (first delivery due early 2026), two Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control radars. Turkey has also announced plans to export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia.

Analysts say the Chinese purchase could carry geopolitical risks, signalling a tilt that may sharpen regional sensitivities, especially over the South China Sea. Indonesia currently operates fighters from the US, Russia and Britain, many of which require upgrades or replacement.

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