Indonesia’s decision to acquire 42 Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets is a calculated move that transcends mere military procurement, underscoring Jakarta’s strategic vision and reshaping Asia’s defence landscape. Under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is pursuing a defence modernisation strategy that balances ambition with pragmatism in an increasingly multipolar world.
The $9 billion deal follows Indonesia’s recent agreements with France for the Rafale and with Turkey for the KAAN stealth fighter, illustrating a deliberate diversification strategy aimed at achieving technological sovereignty. Prabowo’s approach sends a clear message: Indonesia’s defence capabilities will not hinge on any single bloc, but rather on a carefully curated mix of advanced technologies from multiple sources.
For decades, Indonesia’s air force has operated a diverse fleet, including American F-16s, British Hawks, and Russian Sukhois. The J-10C acquisition is both a practical and political decision. It strengthens Indonesia’s defence autonomy while recognising the growing sophistication of Chinese defence technology.
China’s defence industry, once dismissed as a mere imitator of Western designs, has undergone a quiet transformation. The J-10C, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, boasts advanced features such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, digital fly-by-wire controls, and the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile—capabilities that rival those of Western 4.5-generation fighters.
The J-10C’s battlefield credibility was notably demonstrated during Pakistan’s confrontation with India, where its performance reportedly deterred further Indian incursions and restored regional air parity. This episode resonated across Southeast Asia, solidifying China’s reputation as a genuine defence innovator.
Indonesia’s move, therefore, is not an ideological tilt towards Beijing but a pragmatic acknowledgment of China’s technological rise. The J-10C deal signals that Jakarta views Chinese defence systems as credible assets, not merely as cost-effective alternatives. It also reflects Prabowo’s strategic worldview: flexibility, not alignment, is Indonesia’s greatest strength.
This acquisition is likely to prompt a broader reassessment of defence procurement strategies across the region. As China continues to refine its military technology, other Southeast Asian nations may follow Indonesia’s lead, seeking to diversify their defence capabilities while leveraging emerging technological advancements.
Moreover, the deal underscores the evolving dynamics of global defence partnerships. As Western nations grapple with geopolitical tensions, countries like Indonesia are increasingly turning to alternative suppliers to meet their defence needs. This trend could accelerate the decentralisation of defence supply chains, reducing reliance on traditional Western providers.
In the broader context, Indonesia’s J-10C acquisition serves as a reminder that defence modernisation is no longer a zero-sum game. Nations are increasingly adopting a multi-faceted approach, blending technological innovation with strategic pragmatism. As Asia’s defence landscape continues to evolve, Indonesia’s move may well set a precedent for others seeking to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world.