Indonesia is actively evaluating the Chinese-made J-10C multirole fighter jet, potentially signaling a strategic pivot in its defense procurement and foreign policy posture. This development comes amid mounting regional tensions and an evolving landscape of global defense partnerships.
Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirmed that the offer for the J-10C, manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is currently under serious consideration. Speaking to Indonesia’s national news agency, Antara, Donny remarked, “If, based on our assessment, the aircraft performs well and meets the criteria we’ve set—and considering its reasonable price—then why shouldn’t we take it into consideration?”
The J-10C’s candidacy marks a possible departure from Indonesia’s traditional preference for Western and Russian defense systems. Historically committed to a non-aligned foreign policy, Jakarta has long maintained a diversified defense procurement strategy, purchasing systems from a range of suppliers including the United States, Russia, and South Korea. Yet the stalled Su-35 procurement and regulatory challenges have nudged Indonesian planners to reconsider their approach.
The growing global spotlight on the J-10C’s combat effectiveness has further intensified interest. Reports emerged earlier this year alleging that Pakistan successfully used J-10C fighters in engagements with Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. In the reported encounters, six Indian jets—including three Dassault Rafales, a Su-30MKI, a MiG-29, and a Mirage 2000—were allegedly downed, primarily through the use of PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.
If verified, these claims would represent one of the most consequential demonstrations of Chinese aerospace capabilities in active combat, propelling the J-10C into the upper echelon of globally recognized fighter platforms.
The J-10C offer was brought to the fore after Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, visited a Chinese defense expo where the fighter was showcased. During the visit, Chinese officials presented the aircraft as part of a broader bilateral defense engagement.
Donny emphasized that while the offer is being evaluated seriously, several criteria remain paramount. “We will also evaluate the aircraft’s operational capabilities—its combat range, weapons payload, and other performance metrics—which are all integral to our assessment,” he stated.
A key factor in Indonesia’s decision will be interoperability with existing systems of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), including those acquired from the United States and Russia. Cost-efficiency, ease of maintenance, and adaptability to local climatic and operational environments will also play a central role in the assessment.
Unconfirmed reports from May suggested that Jakarta may be considering acquiring 42 second-hand J-10C fighters, possibly as part of a discounted package. The timing of these discussions coincides with renewed speculation about Indonesia’s Su-35 program, which had been stalled due to concerns over U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
The growing spotlight on the J-10C has influenced market dynamics as well. While CAC’s visibility has increased, shares in France’s Dassault Aviation have reportedly dipped amid concerns about the Rafale’s perceived vulnerability. If Indonesia proceeds with the J-10C, it could validate a broader trend of diversification away from traditional Western platforms.
A formal announcement regarding the acquisition is anticipated during the Indo Defence and Expo 2025, which will take place in Jakarta from June 11 to 14. Until then, observers remain alert to signals from both Jakarta and Beijing.
The J-10C’s prominence was on full display at the recent LIMA 2025 exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia. The J-10CE, its export variant, was featured prominently at China’s defense pavilion and drew substantial interest from defense analysts and procurement delegates from across the Asia-Pacific.
The platform’s demonstrated capabilities and real-world combat record have become central to China’s defense export campaign, led by the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). According to Global Times, the J-10CE “mesmerized foreign delegates,” standing out amidst competing platforms from Western and Russian manufacturers.
With nations like Bangladesh and Malaysia actively exploring modernization of their aging fighter fleets, the J-10C is increasingly positioned as a high-performance, cost-effective solution. China’s strategy is not merely to sell aircraft but to reshape global perceptions of its defense industrial base.
The J-10C represents the pinnacle of China’s indigenous fighter development, featuring a robust blend of modern avionics, propulsion, and weapons systems. Introduced into service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in the mid-2010s, the J-10C has steadily replaced older models and now constitutes a core component of China’s tactical airpower.
- AESA Radar: The aircraft’s Active Electronically Scanned Array radar enables superior tracking and jamming resistance, as well as simultaneous multirole engagement capabilities.
- Fly-by-Wire System: A fully digital control system enhances agility and flight stability, critical for dogfights and low-altitude maneuvers.
- WS-10B Turbofan Engine: This powerful indigenous engine supports sustained supersonic flight and enables extended range and payload capacity.
- Stealth and Survivability Enhancements: While not a stealth fighter, the J-10C incorporates reduced radar cross-section elements and advanced electronic countermeasures (ECM).
- Weapons Suite: The J-10C is equipped with the PL-15 BVR missile (range exceeding 200 km), PL-10 IR short-range missile, KD-88 land-attack missile, and YJ-91 anti-ship missile, supporting multi-domain operations.
- Payload and Versatility: With 11 external hardpoints, the aircraft can carry a mix of weapons, fuel tanks, and mission-specific pods, allowing for deep-strike, interception, and support missions.
- Survivability Systems: The onboard radar warning receivers (RWR), infrared search and track (IRST), and flare/chaff dispensers enhance survivability in contested environments.
Beijing’s emphasis on military exports is part of a larger strategy to expand its geopolitical footprint, particularly in the Global South. The success of the J-10C could potentially alter regional airpower balances and diminish the dominance of traditional suppliers like the United States, France, and Russia.
For Indonesia, the decision to procure the J-10C would reflect a nuanced balancing act. As a leading member of ASEAN, Jakarta must weigh the strategic implications of deepening defense ties with China while maintaining its autonomy and safeguarding relations with Western partners.
Furthermore, regional sensitivities cannot be ignored. A Chinese-origin platform may provoke concerns among neighboring states, especially given the ongoing South China Sea disputes. At the same time, acquiring a proven, cost-effective platform may serve Indonesia’s operational needs more effectively than politically complex deals with other nations.
Indonesia proceeds with the J-10C acquisition. The Indo Defence and Expo 2025 may serve as a platform for formalizing the deal or announcing further evaluations. Should Jakarta move forward, it would not only signify a shift in Indonesia’s defense procurement strategy but also reflect a broader transformation in the regional security architecture. As China continues to assert its role as a global defense supplier, the J-10C could become emblematic of a new era of airpower dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
