Indonesian Govt Responds to Reported Plan to Purchase Chinese J-10 Fighter Jets

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Defense Ministry has not yet decided to purchase the J-10 fighter jet made in China. The ministry's Head of the Defense Information Bureau, Brigadier General TNI Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, stated that the purchase of the aircraft is still in the exploration stage and has not entered the contract stage.

"We haven't decided to purchase the J-10 yet, but we're exploring every opportunity and possibility to find the best platform," said Frega when confirmed on Thursday, June 12, 2025. According to him, the Defense Ministry is open to various options for procuring primary weapon systems (alutsista) to maintain the nation's sovereignty and security.

Frega added that although the J-10 has been hailed as a success story in South Asia, other combat platforms are still being considered for national defense.

When asked whether in the procurement of alutsista, the aircraft to be purchased is prioritized in new or used condition, Frega stated that there is no decision yet. "There is no purchase contract. The important thing is that we choose the best one for us. For now, I have not monitored any contracts for the J-10," he said.

Deputy Minister of Defense Donny Ermawan said that rumors of the purchase of the fighter jet emerged during the Air Force Chief of Staff's visit to China to witness the airshow. During the visit, the Chinese government offered the fighter aircraft to Indonesia.

"At that time, the Air Force Chief of Staff visited China during the air show, saw the aircraft, and was offered one," he said.

Based on that, the government does not rule out the possibility of purchasing Chinese alutsista if the price and quality meet the criteria. "So, if we determine that the aircraft meets our criteria, especially if the price is low, why not?" he said.

The statement was made after Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun. The meeting discussed several strategic issues, including plans to send Indonesian pilots for training in China.

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

"The criteria for this fighter aircraft can be integrated with our existing system. We already have a system. Regarding its capabilities, such as how far it can fly and what weapons it can carry, that also needs to be determined later," said Donny.

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