Indonesia Expected to Receive China's Chengdu J-10 Fighter Jets, Defense Minister Hints

October 15, 2025 | 10:51 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin hinted that Indonesia is set to acquire Chengdu J-10 fighter jets from China. Sjafrie stated that the aircraft from the Land of the Dragon will soon arrive in the country.

"In a moment, the (J-10 C) will fly to Jakarta," said Sjafrie when met at the Ministry of Defense office in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He did not elaborate on the schedule of arrival or the number of units Indonesia will receive.

Previously, Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan stated that the government is considering the use of J-10 fighter jets from China as part of the national defense system. Indonesia, as a non-aligned country, is open to cooperation with various nations.

"This includes our evaluation to see if we can use the J-10 for our defense equipment. 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," said Donny when met at the Ministry of Defense office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Donny explained that rumors about the purchase of fighter jets emerged after the Chief of Air Staff visited China to attend an air show. During the visit, the Chinese government offered Indonesia the fighter jets. "So, at that time, the Chief of the Air Force Staff visited China. At the airshow, he saw the aircraft and was also offered the aircraft," he said.

Based on this, it is not impossible to purchase Chinese defense equipment if the price and quality meet the criteria. "So, if we evaluate that the aircraft is good and meets our set criteria, especially if the price is low, why not?" he said.

The statement was made after Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun. The meeting addressed several strategic issues, one of which was the plan to send Indonesian pilots to China for training.

The decision on the procurement of defense equipment is not final. He said that several conditions must be met before Indonesia decides to purchase fighter jets from abroad, including the J-10 from China.

"The criteria for these fighter jets should be compatible with our existing system. Since we already have a system, related to their capabilities, the flying range, and the types of weapons they can carry, we need to consider all of those," Donny said.

He also mentioned that, thus far, no specific technical team has been assigned to follow up on the offer from China. "This is just an offer, and we are assessing the possibilities. We haven't sent a team to delve into it yet," he said.

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