Indonesia is making headlines across Southeast Asia and beyond with its recent announcement to acquire at least 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets—a move that marks the country’s first major non-Western military aircraft purchase and signals a new chapter in its defense strategy. The news, confirmed by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on October 15, 2025, has sparked discussion about the nation’s military modernization and the broader geopolitical implications of such a deal.
During a press briefing in the capital, Sjamsoeddin was clear about the country’s intentions. “They will be flying over Jakarta soon,” he told reporters, according to the Associated Press. The defense minister, however, declined to provide specifics on the delivery timeline or the exact number of jets, though the figure of 42 aircraft was widely cited in both local and international reports. The acquisition is part of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its aging military arsenal and bolster its air defense capabilities—a process that has gained momentum under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration since 2019.
Indonesia’s decision represents a significant shift for the world’s fourth most populous country, which has traditionally relied on Western suppliers for its military needs. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of American, Russian, and British fighter jets, many of which are due for upgrades or outright replacement. Over the past few years, the government has been actively seeking new partners and suppliers, a strategy that has seen the country ink deals with France, Russia, Turkey, and now, China.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has allocated a budget exceeding $9 billion for the purchase of the Chinese aircraft. “So, everything should be ready,” Sadewa told reporters, adding, “But I have to double check when those aircrafts will arrive in Jakarta from Beijing.” The deal underscores the Indonesian government’s commitment to modernizing its military hardware, even as it navigates the delicate balance of regional alliances and neutrality.
The process leading up to the purchase was not without deliberation. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan explained that Indonesia’s non-aligned status allows it to consider military acquisitions from a range of countries. “We are a neutral country, not siding with any nation, and we don’t have alliances. We can acquire weapons from any country, including China,” Donny said during a briefing at the Ministry of Defense in Central Jakarta on June 4, 2025, as reported by Tempo. He recounted how the offer for the J-10 jets came after the Chief of Air Staff visited China to attend an air show, where the Indonesian delegation was introduced to the aircraft and subsequently received an offer from the Chinese government.
The decision to proceed with the purchase, Donny noted, was not made lightly. “If we evaluate that the aircraft is good and meets our set criteria, especially if the price is low, why not?” he remarked. He emphasized that several conditions must be met before Indonesia finalizes any foreign defense procurement, including compatibility with existing systems, operational capabilities, flying range, and the types of weapons the jets can carry. As of mid-October 2025, he stressed, “This is just an offer, and we are assessing the possibilities. We haven’t sent a team to delve into it yet.”
One additional aspect of the evolving relationship with China is the plan to send Indonesian pilots to China for training—a move discussed during meetings between Defense Minister Sjamsoeddin and Indonesia’s Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun. This training initiative is seen as a strategic step to ensure Indonesian personnel are prepared to operate and maintain the new aircraft, should the deal proceed to completion.
Indonesia’s push to modernize its military is not limited to China. In January 2024, the country finalized an order for 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, with the first deliveries expected in early 2026. In June 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey would export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia, further diversifying the nation’s defense portfolio. These deals, along with the acquisition of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars, reflect a broad-based approach to strengthening Indonesia’s defense capabilities.
Defense analysts have been quick to point out the potential geopolitical ramifications of Indonesia’s pivot toward Chinese military hardware. Beni Sukadis, a defense expert from the Indonesia Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies, cautioned that the move could be interpreted as a shift in Indonesia’s security orientation. “After decades of relying on Western suppliers, a major arms purchase from Beijing could be read as a shift in Indonesia’s security orientation amid China’s growing military and diplomatic influence in Southeast Asia region,” Sukadis told the Associated Press. He further warned, “The move could spark regional sensitivities over the South China Sea where China has direct interests.”
Indonesia’s balancing act is delicate. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the country has long prided itself on maintaining neutrality in global affairs, especially in a region where U.S.-China rivalry is intensifying. By diversifying its sources of military equipment, Indonesia appears to be hedging its bets, seeking to avoid overreliance on any single partner while maintaining flexibility and autonomy in its defense strategy.
Still, the purchase of Chinese fighter jets is not without its critics. Some in the Indonesian defense community have expressed concerns about interoperability with existing Western-made systems, as well as the long-term implications for Indonesia’s relationships with traditional allies. Others see the move as a pragmatic response to the need for rapid modernization and the advantages of competitive pricing and technology transfer offered by non-Western suppliers.
For now, the exact timeline for the arrival of the J-10C jets remains unclear, and officials have stressed that several technical and operational assessments are still underway. What is certain, however, is that Indonesia’s defense landscape is changing—and fast. As the country continues to weigh its options and finalize its procurement strategies, the eyes of the region (and the world) are watching closely to see how this major purchase will affect the balance of power in Southeast Asia and beyond.
With the prospect of new jets soaring over Jakarta, and Indonesian pilots potentially training in China, the nation stands at a crossroads—one that could redefine its military posture and its role on the regional stage for years to come.