Indonesia’s Defense Ministry confirmed Sept. 18 that the country remains interested in acquiring Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets as part of its military modernization efforts, though officials indicated any potential deal remains in early stages.
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Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Frega Wenas Inkiriwang told reporters that Jakarta is considering the purchase of at least 42 J-10C aircraft, with the Indonesian Air Force currently conducting assessments of the jets’ suitability for operational needs.
“The Air Force is currently evaluating the J-10C, as we aim to select only the best platforms for our primary weapons system in supporting the implementation of our current policies,” Frega said during the briefing.
The spokesperson emphasized that no concrete discussions have occurred regarding critical details such as contract value or delivery schedules, suggesting the potential acquisition remains in preliminary phases. When pressed by The Jakarta Post about the assessment’s progress, Frega declined to provide specifics, stating the evaluation was “still in the process.”
According to Frega, the Air Force’s primary consideration centers on how effectively the J-10C would support priority programs under Indonesia’s Perisai Trisula Nusantara defense vision, which addresses both domestic and international security threats.
The defense strategy, initially developed by President Prabowo Subianto during his previous role as defense minister, is now being continued under current Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The strategy aims to coordinate Indonesia’s three military branches like a trident to address various threats.
Under this framework, the Air Force has been tasked with three key objectives: modernizing weapons systems according to current military needs, establishing effective and efficient organizational structures, and enhancing human resources capabilities to handle future technological developments.
The potential Chinese fighter jet acquisition has drawn attention from defense analysts concerned about both the financial implications of operating non-Western aircraft and possible geopolitical consequences of such a procurement decision.
The interest in the J-10C reportedly intensified after Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono visited a defense equipment exhibition in China, where the aircraft was directly offered to Indonesia. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto previously indicated that Indonesia would not rule out purchasing the J-10C if it meets technical criteria and offers cost advantages, stating the aircraft’s affordability could be a determining factor.
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