Indonesia Considers Acquiring China's J-10 Fighter Jets for National Defense

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan has confirmed that the Indonesian government is currently evaluating the potential acquisition of China's J-10 fighter jet to be part of its national defense system. He emphasized Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy, which allows for defense cooperation with various countries.

"We are evaluating whether the J-10 can be utilized for our defense equipment," Donny said at the Ministry of Defense Office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. "We are a neutral country, not aligned with any single nation; we have no alliances. We are open to acquiring weapons from any country, including China."

Donny clarified that reports of an impending purchase of the fighter jet remain unconfirmed. He explained that rumors surrounding the acquisition emerged following a visit by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force to China, where he attended an airshow.

During this visit, the Chinese government formally offered the fighter jet to Indonesia. "At that time, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force visited China, saw the aircraft at the airshow, and was subsequently offered the plane," he recounted.

Based on this offer, the possibility of purchasing Chinese defense equipment exists, provided that both the price and quality meet Indonesia's criteria. "If our evaluation concludes that this aircraft is good and meets our criteria, especially if the price is favorable, then why not?" Donny remarked.

This statement was made after Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun. Their discussion covered several strategic issues, including a plan to send Indonesian pilots for training in China.

The decision regarding defense equipment procurement is not yet final. According to Donny, several requirements must be met before Indonesia commits to purchasing fighter jets from abroad, including the J-10 from China.

"The criteria for this fighter jet include its ability to integrate with our existing system. We already have a system in place. Furthermore, we need to assess its capabilities, such as its flight range and the types of weapons it can carry; these are aspects we will examine," Donny explained.

He also added that, to date, no specific technical team has been dispatched to follow up on the offer from China. "This is just an offer, and we will see the possibilities. We have not yet sent a team to study it," he concluded.

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