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Asia Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Asia Times
Indonesia torn between China's J-10 and US F-15EX
Indonesia's fighter jet dilemma pits cost, capability, and geopolitical leverage as it weighs China's now-battle-tested J-10s against pricier Western rivals. This month, Reuters reported that Indonesia is evaluating the potential acquisition of China's J-10 fighter jets, weighing their affordability and advanced capabilities against other options, including the US-made F-15EX. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirmed that discussions are ongoing with China, which has also reportedly pitched naval vessels and armaments. Indonesia's evaluation considers system compatibility, after-sales support and pricing. The deliberations follow Indonesia's broader military modernization push, which saw the 2022 purchase of 42 French Rafale jets worth US$8.1 billion. Six Rafales are expected to be delivered next year. While Indonesia's interest in the J-10 predates recent India-Pakistan air skirmishes, Pakistan's use of J-10s to down at least one Indian-flown Rafale has added a new dimension to Jakarta's evaluation. Meanwhile, Indonesia is still mulling its planned F-15EX purchase, with questions rising around the $8 billion price tag for 24 jets. France remains a contender, with President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Indonesia resulting in a preliminary defense pact that could lead to further Rafale acquisitions. Taufanto emphasized Indonesia's budget constraints and strategic options, noting ongoing assessments of multiple offers. Highlighting the J-10's capabilities, Justin Bronk notes in an October 2020 report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that the J-10 is China's response to the US F-16 and Swedish Gripen, offering comparable capabilities at a significantly lower acquisition cost. 'Think of the J-10C as roughly equivalent to a late-model F-16, but with some features, like its long-range missile suite, that could give it the edge in certain scenarios,' says David Jordan, a senior lecturer in defense studies at King's College London, in a May 2025 Business Insider article. 'You may well see a very viable competitor to Western products entering contests for the purchase of new fighter aircraft,' says Jordan. However, no matter how capable the J-10 may be on paper, Indonesia's chronic procurement dysfunction, underfunding, weak institutional support and fragmented planning raise serious questions about its ability to field any advanced fighter effectively. 'Indonesia's air force modernization and fleet recapitalization has been marred with multiple challenges, including lack of funding, lack of government commitment, as well as inefficient and highly personalized acquisition policy,' says Olli Suorsa in a March 2021 S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) report. For Indonesia's cash-strapped air force, which by all accounts is in serious need of modernization, the J-10 presents a compelling case. However, Indonesia may be proceeding with caution before making its move. Dave Laksono, a senior member of Indonesia's House of Representatives, said that 'unverified claims in conflict zones cannot be used as the sole basis for assessing the effectiveness or failure of a particular weapons system,' according to a May 2025 Defense Security Asia report. 'Even the most advanced jets, such as the F-16, F/A-18, and F-22, have experienced incidents of being shot down or crashed due to certain tactical conditions,' says Laksono. Further, Alfin Bansundoro notes in a June 2024 East Asia Forum article that while Indonesia has previously purchased Chinese weapons, such as CH-4B drones, C-705 and C-802 anti-ship missiles, and TD-2000B self-propelled air defense systems, bilateral territorial disputes over the Natuna Islands cast doubt on future purchases from China. Bansundoro points out that China has sold downgraded weapons to Indonesia several times, mentioning that the former sold the export version of the C-802, known as the YJ-83, which has a reduced range. In addition, he says Indonesia runs the risk of jeopardizing purchases from Western partners if it pushes through with acquiring Chinese weapons, emphasizing the risk of Western economic weaponization. However, Evan Laksmana warns in a May 2024 article for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) that without a well-institutionalized defense partnership, Indonesia's long-term relationship with China will lack strategic heft and balance. Beyond military cooperation, such arms deals often bleed into economic diplomacy. Fighter jets can act as entry points for deeper bilateral entanglements, requiring long-term cooperation in training, maintenance and logistics. Jake Rinaldi argues in a November 2024 article for the US Army War College that China often pairs arms sales with economic perks, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which Indonesia is a member. In the Indonesian context, Rinaldi notes that China's arms sales may aim to establish relationships with senior civilian and military leaders, thereby expanding diplomatic and strategic influence. Pointing out the quid pro quo between China and Indonesia, Oene Marseille and other writers mention in a November 2024 article for CDR Essential Intelligence that China has financed major projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, in exchange for strengthened economic ties. In return, Marseille and others state that Indonesia provides China with access to crucial resources, particularly nickel, for electric vehicle production. However, they note that while Indonesia benefits from economic modernization, China leverages these projects to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, intertwining trade with strategic leverage, while Indonesia cautiously balances partnerships. Although Indonesia has planned to purchase F-15EX jets from the US, a decision to purchase them, like a potential acquisition of China's J-10s, may be driven more by political and economic considerations than by Indonesia's actual defense requirements. An April 2023 D-Insights article reports that Indonesia's plan to purchase F-15EX jets from the US is likely to fail due to cost, as the aircraft are too expensive for the country's limited defense budget. Similar budget issues have strained Indonesia's past cooperation with South Korea on next-generation fighter projects, including delayed payments and alleged data leaks, as reported by the Korean JoongAng Daily in May 2025. D-Insights posits that Indonesia may have raised the possibility of F-15EX purchases to keep good relations with the US, ultimately making it a political gesture more than anything else. Even if driven by politics, Indonesia may still attempt to extract tangible benefits from potential F-15EX purchases. Aryojati Ardipandanto argues in an April 2025 article for Info Singkat that Indonesia could use F-15EX purchases to negotiate the 32% 'reciprocal' tariffs Donald Trump imposed on the country in April and has since paused. Ardipandanto says Indonesia needs the F-15EX as part of its defense diplomacy to blunt the effects of US tariffs on its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), considering the possibility of layoffs in Indonesian companies that export to the US. Whichever jet Indonesia chooses, the decision will have far-reaching consequences, shaping its defense posture, great power alignments and the price it pays for sovereignty.
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
China begging this Muslim nation to buy its J-10C fighter jet, the country is..., its India's...
China has offered the J-10C fighter jet to Indonesia. (File) China is touting the alleged success of its J-10C fighter jet in the recent India-Pakistan air battle during Operation Sindoor as Beijing is making efforts to sell the multirole fighter to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, which has close diplomatic ties with New Delhi. China offers J-10C fighter jet to Indonesia Addressing a public forum in Jakarta on Wednesday, Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Indonesia's deputy minister of defense, revealed that China had offered the J-10C fighter jet to Indonesia, and stated that the offer was currently under preliminary evaluation, and no technical team has yet been deployed to Beijing for further assessment. 'It is just an offer at the moment,' he said. Tafaunto said the proposal came up during a visit by Indonesian Air Force officials to China, and the Indonesian government is currently examining whether the aircraft meets the country's operational requirements and whether they can be integrated into existing military systems, Bloomberg News reported. China's offer to Indonesia comes at a times when smaller nations are spending more on military hardware due to global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and the recent tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. Indonesia 'pragmatic' defense procurement policy under Prabowo As per reports, Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, is making efforts to diversify its defense export chain as part of the country's push towards military modernization. During Prabowo's tenure, Indonesia has explored options for military cooperation with traditional defense partners as well as new countries. Indonesia has partnered with South Korea in the development of the KF-21 supersonic fighter jet, and also recently expressed interest Turkey's 5th-generation 'KAAN' fighter jet project. Additionally, Prabowo has instructed defense officials to re-examine old plans to buy F- 15EX fighter jets from Boeing. Taufanto described Indonesia's defense procurement policy as pragmatic and non-aligned, which gives the country the freedom to ink defense defense agreements with different countries. 'If we feel that this aircraft performs well, meets our requirements and the price is also reasonable, then why not? We are not bound by any alliance, we can buy weapons from any country – even China,' he stated. China touts J-10C 'success' in Indo-Pak air battle Meanwhile, China is touting the purported 'success' of its J-10C fighter jets during the recent India-Pakistan military confrontation. Taking advantage of the speculations surrounding the alleged 'success' of J-10C fighter, a two-part documentary was aired on China's state-run CCTV, which delved in to the origins of the aircraft and its 'battle-tested' capabilities. The documentary claimed that the J-10CE (export variant) achieved its 'first victory' in the recent war. The move was not only to promote China's military technology but also an attempt to strengthen its position in the global arms market. Pakistan claims J-10C downed Indian Rafales Pakistan has claimed that its air force shot down several Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including the French Rafale jets, using Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets during the aerial battle that took place on the night of May 7 when Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor against terror infrastructures inside the enemy country. Speaking in the country's Parliament, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, claimed, without proof, that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down several Indian jets, including three Rafales, using J-10C fighter jets and Chinese PL-15E missiles. However, Pakistan's claims have been vehemently refuted by India as 'rumors' and 'misinformation'. Indian Defence Ministry and Air Force officials clarified that reports of losses were exaggerated, though CDS General Anil Chauhan has confirmed some air losses in a recent interview.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
China wants to sell its premier jets to Indonesia; unsure, Jakarta examines aircraft's suitability
Even as Beijing offers to sell its J-10 jets to Jakarta, the Southeast Asian nation has clarified that no team has been dispatched to China to carry out technical evaluation or pursue the offer further read more Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter jets perform at a rehearsal ahead of Pakistan's national day parade in Islamabad. Used for representational purposes | File image/AFP Following the recent standoff between India and Pakistan, China is reportedly pressing Indonesia to buy its J-10 jets, the fighter aircraft used by the Pakistani army. Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto revealed Wednesday (June 4) during a presser in Jakarta that Beijing offered to sell its jets to Southeast Asia's largest economy during a visit by Indonesian air officials to China. Jakarta's reservations However, a Bloomberg report quoted Taufanto as saying that it was 'just an offer', and that Indonesia has not sent any team to China to carry out a technical evaluation or pursue the offer further. 'This is just an offer,' Taufanto said. He added that the country was not bound by any alliance and will take the decision based on our interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'If we find that the jet performs well, meets our criteria, and comes at a good price, why not?' he said, referring to the J-10. 'We're not bound by any alliance, so we can source weapons from any country, including China.' He added that the government was examining whether the Chinese jets can be integrated into Indonesia's existing systems and whether they can meet their operational requirements. Indonesia's push to reform armed forces Under new President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has prioritised modernisation of the country's armed forces. He has pledged to upgrade the country's air and naval capabilities while keeping Indonesia diplomatically neutral. While China sees an opportunity for itself here, Jakarta is keeping all windows open in terms of potential partners. For example, it has already struck a deal to acquire French Rafale aircraft. It's also exploring deals with other partners in the region and beyond. The country has participated in the development of the KF-21 supersonic jet. In April this year, Subianto expressed his interest in Turkey's KAAN fifth generation fighter jet programme. Additionally, Bloomberg earlier reported that the president had directed defence officials to revive previous plans to purchase F-15EX jets from Boeing. Indonesia doesn't see China as a credible defence partner when it comes to fighter jets. While Jakarta has purchased munitions and air surveillance systems from China in the past, it has refrained from acquiring high-tech combat craft despite strong economic ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's J-10 is a single-engine multirole fighter jet which was used by Pakistan in its recent conflict with India. While Islamabad continues to make tall claims regarding the effectiveness of the aircraft, nothing has been verified by international experts so far. Earlier, China had denied any involvement of its fighter jets in the Indo-Pak hostilities.
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Indonesia Mulls China's Offer of Battle-Tested J-10 Fighter Jets
Indonesia said China has offered to sell it J-10 jets, the fighter aircraft that were recently battle-tested in Pakistan's clashes with India over Kashmir. The government is examining whether the planes widely used by China's air force meet operational requirements and can be integrated into Indonesia's existing systems, Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto said during a public discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Indonesia mulls buying China's J-10 jets
Indonesia is weighing buying China's J-10 fighter jets, given their relatively cheaper price and advanced capability, as it also considers finalising a purchase of US-made F-15EX jets, a senior official said on Wednesday. Southeast Asia's most populous country has in recent years embarked on efforts to modernise its ageing military hardware. In 2022 it bought 42 French Rafale jets worth $8.1 billion, six of which will be delivered next year. "We have had talks with China and they offered us a lot, not just J-10, but also ships, arms, frigates," said Deputy Defence Minister and retired Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto. "We're evaluating J-10," Taufanto said, adding that Jakarta was reviewing system compatibility and after-sales support as well as pricing. A potential purchase has been considered for over a year, before the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, but Taufanto said Indonesia would factor in reports that a Pakistani J-10 plane shot down multiple Indian jets last month. Jakarta also continues to consider whether to proceed with the next step for its purchase of F-15EX fighters, he said, following the defence ministry's deal with planemaker Boeing for the sale in 2023. Taufanto said the US jets' capabilities were well recorded, but suggested the offered price of $8 billion for 24 planes remained in question. French President Emmanuel Macron said after meeting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta last week that they had signed a preliminary defence pact that could lead to new orders of French hardware including Rafale jets. "We're considering (France's) offer. We're considering our own budget, we're evaluating, especially given we have other options like J-10, F-15," Taufanto said.
