While Indonesia is preparing to purchase 48 KAAN National Combat Aircraft from Türkiye to strengthen its air force, it is also getting ready to add Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to its inventory.
Indonesia is taking a significant step in the field of defence by accelerating its plans to strengthen its air fleet. The Jakarta administration, which is preparing to procure 48 KAAN National Combat Aircraft from Türkiye, is also in talks to purchase Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 fighter jets.
According to Star, Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, indicated his country’s intention to purchase J-10 jets from China. Sadewa stated that defence budgets for both the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years had been approved; however, he noted that it was still unclear whether the J-10 purchase was included in the budget due to the variety of existing orders.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that J-10 aircraft might soon be seen over Jakarta’s skies, signalling that the agreement could be finalised soon. However, no details were shared regarding the delivery date of the jets or the signing of the contract.
According to foreign media, the price of a J-10 fighter jet ranges between 30 and 40 million dollars. This figure stands out as a relatively low-cost alternative compared to the French-made Rafale jets, which can cost up to 120 million dollars. Both models are classified as 4.5-generation fighters; however, the Rafale has a range of 1,850 km, which is longer than the J-10’s 1,240 km range.
Indonesia has already ordered 42 Rafale aircraft, with the first three scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026. After taking office, President Prabowo Subianto allocated the defence budget for the procurement of 48 KAAN fighter jets from Türkiye. The contract, worth approximately 10 billion dollars, is expected to elevate defence cooperation between the two countries to a strategic level.
According to official data, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has an authorised expenditure of 247.5 trillion Rupiah (approximately 14.9 billion dollars) for the 2025 fiscal year. It was reported that part of this budget would be allocated to the procurement of next-generation aircraft and the modernisation of defence technologies.
The plan to procure Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets was also confirmed last month by Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Defence. Inkiriwang stated that the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is still assessing the operational and technical capabilities of the aircraft.
Indonesia’s simultaneous cooperation in the defence field with three different countries—Türkiye, France, and China—has led to comments suggesting that the country is pursuing a balance policy in regional power dynamics.
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