In the aftermath of the India-Pakistan conflict, Pakistan and China made bold claims about the success of the Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets used by Pakistan. However, neither country provided any concrete evidence to support these claims. Analysts believe this narrative could be a strategic marketing move to boost J-10 sales internationally.
One such possibility being discussed is a rumoured deal between China and Indonesia, where Indonesia might purchase 42 used J-10 fighter jets. Reports on Chinese social media and Southeast Asian news outlets suggest this deal may be officially announced during the "Indo Defence Expo" in Jakarta between June 11–14. The aircraft are reportedly from the active inventory of the Chinese Air Force, which raises eyebrows about the nature of the deal—whether it is a genuine transaction or another example of Chinese propaganda .
Despite no official confirmation from either China or Indonesia, the speculation reflects Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aging air force amid growing regional security threats and economic constraints. Indonesia has previously explored multiple procurement options, including Rafale jets from France, F-15EX fighters from the U.S., and earlier, Su-35s from Russia. A 2017 deal with Russia for 11 Su-35s worth $1.14 billion was canceled due to U.S. diplomatic pressure under CAATSA sanctions.
Indonesia’s air force, known as TNI-AU, currently operates a mix of older aircraft like U.S.-made F-16s, Russian SU-27s/SU-30s, and British Hawk 200s. While still functional, these jets are outdated compared to neighbouring air forces in China, Australia, and Singapore, which operate modern aircraft like the J-20, F-35, and Rafale respectively.
In 2022, Indonesia signed a $8.1 billion deal for 42 French Rafale jets—modern, multi-role aircraft with proven combat capabilities. However, the high cost and integration challenges sparked domestic debates about their necessity and affordability. Shortly after this announcement, the U.S. approved a potential sale of 36 F-15ID jets to Indonesia—yet no binding agreement followed.
To diversify and future-proof its defence strategy, Indonesia also partnered with South Korea in the KF-21 project and is in early talks with Turkey over cooperation on the fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter, which is still under development. These partnerships indicate Indonesia's intent to maintain flexible defence collaborations and invest in next-gen technologies.
The possibility of Indonesia purchasing used J-10 jets from China, although surprising, may be driven by cost concerns. China is known for offering lower-priced military equipment, and J-10s, especially used ones, may come at bargain prices. For instance, Pakistan reportedly acquired 25 J-10C jets for $1.3 billion—around $50 million per aircraft.
Given Indonesia’s $9 billion defence budget for 2024 and competing domestic priorities, such as infrastructure and social programs, the appeal of low-cost, rapidly deliverable fighter jets is clear. However, purchasing aircraft from China—the very country perceived as a regional threat in the South China Sea—raises strategic and geopolitical contradictions.
In summary, Indonesia's quest to modernize its air force is shaped by complex factors including budget limitations, geopolitical pressures, and regional military dynamics. The rumored J-10 deal reflects both strategic necessity and the influence of Chinese defence diplomacy.