Indonesia has confirmed the acquisition of 42 multirole Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation in a deal valued at over USD 9 billion, according to defense officials.
The operation marks a new phase in the country’s diversification of suppliers, which already includes fleets of both Western and Russian aircraft.
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According to Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the first J-10Cs “will soon fly over Jakarta,” signaling an accelerated delivery schedule. The purchase could make Indonesia the second foreign operator of the type, after Pakistan.
What the J-10C brings to the Indonesian Air Force
- Multimode AESA radar: capable of tracking and engaging multiple targets with high resistance to electronic countermeasures, offering advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground modes.
- PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile: a next-generation BVR weapon, complemented by the PL-10 for close-range combat integrated with a helmet-mounted sight.
- Electronic warfare and self-defense: radar warning suite, jammers, and dispensers, along with signature-reduction features.
- Glass cockpit and data link: sensor fusion and enhanced situational awareness within tactical networks.
- WS-10 engine: current versions use the Chinese WS-10 turbofan; reported performance includes a top speed near Mach 1.8 and high maneuverability.
In its offensive package, the J-10C can carry laser/GPS-guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles, and anti-ship weapons, expanding its mission range — from air superiority to maritime interdiction and close air support, fitting Indonesia’s archipelagic defense profile.
Strategic impact: diversification and regional message
The J-10C acquisition comes alongside programs with Western partners — such as the Dassault Rafale — reflecting Indonesia’s effort to reduce dependency on a single supplier while improving fleet availability and territorial coverage across its vast continental and maritime zones. Analysts note potential implications for the military balance in Southeast Asia.
Regional defense experts emphasize that the integration of Chinese aircraft will require specialized training, a dedicated logistics chain, and interoperability with existing Western platforms.
Technical specifications — Chengdu J-10C
- Category: multirole fighter (4.5th generation)
- Engine: 1× WS-10 (afterburning turbofan)
- Radar: multimode AESA
- Typical armament: PL-15 (BVR), PL-10 (WVR), guided bombs (laser/GPS), air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles
- Avionics: glass cockpit, helmet-mounted sight, data link, sensor fusion
What’s next
Following political approval, the timeline will move toward the final contract signing, delivery batches, and training of pilots and technicians, with the first aircraft expected to arrive during the current administration.
Source and images: Channel News Asia | FlightGlobal | South China Morning | Wikimedia – PLA/Divulgação. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
