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First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
Indonesia gets J-10 deal offer from China: Is it a budget buy or Beijing's strategic trap?
If Indonesia chooses the J-10, the real question is what it's truly buying into. The real cost of the J-10 may not lie in the transaction, but in the trap that follows. read more AVIC Chengdu Aircraft makes J-10C fighter jets as well as the JF-17 Thunder planes – which are considered the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force since the US stopped supplying Pakistan with F-16s. Image courtesy Valka As Indonesia reportedly considers a deal to buy China's J-10 fighter jets, some analysts wonder if this indeed a wise choice for Jakarta. The J-10 is based on copied and borrowed designs and while China promotes it as a low-cost all-purpose fighter aircraft, there are problems behind the scenes. These include weaker performance, older systems and possible hidden political intentions—making it seem like Indonesia might be stepping into a carefully planned trap. Indonesia is reportedly motivated for this deal based on unconfirmed reports, strongly refuted by India, that Pakistan used one of its J-10 fighter jets to shoot down an Indian Air Force Rafale jet during Operation Sindoor last month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a report on May 28 in The National Interest, Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono acknowledged that the possibility of purchasing J-10C fighter jets from China is under consideration. However, he emphasised that acquiring such major defence equipment involves a complex decision-making process. The purchase must go through several stages and be reviewed by the Defence Equipment Determination Council. During this process, the government will evaluate various factors, including how well the equipment fits national defence needs and its potential impact on Indonesia's political relations with other countries. Origins of the J-10: A legacy of reverse engineering According to a 2021 article by Charlie Gao in The National Interest, the story of the J-10 shows how China has often used copying and adapting to develop its defence technology. The J-10 was first planned in the 1990s as China's response to advanced American and Russian jets like the F-16 and MiG-29. But the design wasn't completely original—it was based on Israel's Lavi fighter, a project that was cancelled in 1987 after pressure from US and China is believed to have gotten the Lavi's blueprints from Israel to help speed up their own development. This approach can be seen in the J-10's design. The air intake below the cockpit looks like that of the F-16, and the jet's wing style is similar to the Mirage 2000. But even though it looks similar to these jets, the J-10 is considered to have a less advanced aerodynamic design. It also relies on parts from other countries, especially the Russian-made AL-31 engine, which was originally built for the larger Su-27 fighter. J-10's technical shortcomings and incremental upgrades The National Interest reported that the development of the J-10 has been riddled with constant redesigns and slow upgrades. The initial J-10A variant, which entered Chinese service in 2003, was quickly outdated and suffered from technological limitations in radar and avionics. It was succeeded by the J-10B and later J-10C, each introducing refinements such as phased array radars and improved engines. Despite these upgrades, the airframe's core limitations persist particularly in terms of its aerodynamic maturity and engine reliability. The latest model, the J-10C, boasts an AESA radar and PL-15 long-range missiles, positioning it nominally as a 4.5 generation fighter. Yet much of its appeal lies in its affordability rather than capability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, the combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres and payload capacity of up to 8 tonnes are respectable, but do not outmatch Western equivalents or even some Russian alternatives. Furthermore, China has not fully transitioned its own fleet to the newer models, with the majority of deployed aircraft still being J-10As, reflecting internal hesitation regarding the aircraft's viability. Why Indonesia's purchase is concerning Indonesia's interest in the J-10 appears driven primarily by cost and availability. Deputy Minister of Defence Donny Ermawan Taufanto reportedly emphasised the aircraft's affordability and baseline technical compliance. But such a rationale may be dangerously shortsighted. Affordability in defence acquisitions often comes at a hidden cost. Integrating Chinese aircraft into Indonesia's diverse fleet—which includes US and Russian-made platforms—poses significant logistical and interoperability challenges. Furthermore, the opaque nature of Chinese military technology and the potential for cyber vulnerabilities in avionics could present long-term security risks. China's willingness to sell J-10s is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to deepen its military and economic ties in Southeast Asia. The offer comes amid increased defence cooperation between the two nations, including joint drills and high-level military exchanges. Yet, buying into Chinese platforms could also mean buying into Chinese dependency. Once the J-10s are integrated, Indonesia could find itself reliant on Beijing for upgrades, parts and training—limiting its strategic autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Propaganda and questionable combat claims One of the primary claims used to justify the J-10's efficacy is its alleged role in the imaginary downing of an Indian Rafale jet during Operation Sindoor. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired a documentary celebrating the J-10C's supposed combat achievements, stating the aircraft had 'achieved combat results for the first time … hitting multiple jets and not suffering any losses', the South China Morning Post claimed. These reports, however, are unsubstantiated and lack independent verification. India, for its part, has categorically denied the loss of any Rafale fighters in the conflict. In the absence of verifiable proof, these assertions appear to be more about domestic propaganda than battlefield reality—part of a campaign to boost confidence in Chinese military exports and shore up global influence. India's Rafales vs China's J-10s: A stark capability divide Comparing the Rafale to the J-10 highlights the technological and operational disparity between the two aircraft. The Rafale, produced by Dassault Aviation, is a true 4.5 generation multi-role fighter with twin engines, superior range and unmatched avionics. It boasts active and passive electronic warfare systems, highly advanced AESA radar and a wide range of precision-guided munitions. India's acquisition of Rafales has significantly enhanced its deterrent capability in the region. In contrast, the J-10, while equipped with surface-level improvements in its C variant, lacks the operational pedigree and real-world performance history of the Rafale. The aircraft's dependency on the AL-31 engine also makes it vulnerable to foreign supply constraints—a vulnerability that the Rafale's wholly indigenous development avoids. Strategic trap: Dependency and influence China's defence export strategy is increasingly aimed at selling its weapons as 'affordable alternatives' to Western systems. However, these exports come with strings attached. For recipient nations like Indonesia, entering the Chinese military ecosystem could mean sacrificing independence in defence planning and opening up to Chinese influence in critical areas of military doctrine and procurement. Moreover, there is an inherent asymmetry in the seller-buyer relationship when it comes to maintenance, software updates and upgrades. Indonesia may find itself beholden to Chinese suppliers, particularly in the event of geopolitical tension. These vulnerabilities can have long-term strategic consequences, making what appears to be an affordable choice today a costly liability tomorrow. A question of strategic prudence Indonesia's inclination to purchase the Chinese J-10 represents more than a defence acquisition. It signals a potential shift in regional alignment. At a time when great power competition is intensifying in the Indo-Pacific, countries must choose their defence partners carefully—not only based on price and immediate availability but also on long-term implications for sovereignty, reliability and capability. China's J-10 may offer Indonesia a quick fix, but it is a flawed platform born of outdated design philosophies and geopolitical expediency. In contrast, India's unwavering stance on retaining top-tier fighters like the Rafale and its refusal to acknowledge any fabricated combat losses, highlights a clear commitment to quality, credibility and strategic autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Indonesia follows through with this deal, it may risk compromising its defence integrity and becoming another node in China's growing web of influence. The real cost of the J-10 may not lie in the transaction—but in the trap that follows.
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan's much hyped JF-17 fighter jet with Chinese frame and Russian engine costs..., much cheaper than India's...
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan are at an all-time high following the ceasefire. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attacked several Indian border towns with drones and missiles. India also retaliated strongly and destroyed many Pakistani targets. In the meantime, there is a lot of discussion about India's Rafale fighter jet and Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. India has purchased Rafale from France, while the JF-17 Thunder has been jointly developed by China and Pakistan. There is a significant price difference between the two. Rafale is considered the second most expensive fighter in the world after the F-22, while the price of JF-17 Thunder is comparatively much lower. The JF-17 Thunder is considered the backbone of Pakistan's Air Force alongside the F-16 fighter. It was built by the Chinese company Avic Chengdu Aircraft Co Ltd. Shares of this company rose by 53 percent in five days during the conflict. The JF-17 Thunder is a fourth-generation lightweight, single-engine multirole fighter. It has been jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The JF-17 can be used for multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance. The JF-17 can deploy diverse ordnance, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, guided and unguided bombs, and a 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel autocannon. Powered by a Guizhou WS-13 or Klimov RD-93 afterburning turbofan, it has a top speed of Mach 1.6. The JF-17 was inducted in the PAF in February 2010. Although a lot of makeshift technology has been used in this fighter, it features a Chinese airframe, a Western avionics system, and a Russian engine. Its biggest advantage is that it is very cheap. This is why countries that cannot afford expensive fighters like Rafale, F-16, and Eurofighter Typhoon opt for JF-17 Thunder. These include Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria. According to media reports, the price of one unit is 25 million dollars, which is about 2.13 billion rupees, while the price of Rafale is around 135 million dollars or 11 billion rupees.
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Youm-e-Takbeer: A symbol of unity and strength
There come moments in the history of nations when a leader must make a bold decisionone that prioritises national sovereignty and security above all else. Such decisions etch the leader's name into history, ensuring they are remembered and revered for generations. May 28, 1998, stands as one such historic day, when Pakistan, under the leadership of prime minister Nawaz Sharif, rose with dignity on the world stage and was recognised as a nuclear power. This landmark day was aptly named Youm-e-Takbeer. India had conducted nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, in an attempt to dominate the region and assert its superiority. However, Nawaz Sharif, resisting immense international pressure — including a $5 billion aid offer from the United States — chose to uphold Pakistan's dignity and independence. On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted six nuclear tests in Chaghai, effectively neutralising India's nuclear posturing and establishing itself as the first and only nuclear power in the Islamic world. This bold decision came at a significant cost. Nawaz Sharif and his government faced intense international pressure, economic sanctions, and isolation. Yet, the people of Pakistan stood firmly behind their leadership, sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan would never compromise its sovereignty or national integrity. Now, 27 years later, that same unwavering resolve has been witnessed again. On May 7, 2025, India once again attempted aggression against Pakistan. But under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan responded with full force. The nation stood united, shoulder to shoulder with its government and armed forces, reinforcing national resolve. On May 10, Pakistan delivered a historic blow to Indian aggression, forcing it to retreat. The success of this operation reverberated across the globe. The world witnessed the might of Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jets, J-10C aircraft, Fatah missiles, and Shaheen ballistic systems. International media, particularly Western outlets, highlighted India's humiliating defeat, while Indian media —reduced to spreading fake propaganda — was exposed and forced to retract its fabricated claims. India's arrogance and military adventurism met a crushing response. Prime Minister Modi and his media allies were left to bear the shame of defeat. Pakistan's cyber warfare capabilities further disoriented Indian command structures, compelling India to back down.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
A bull named ‘JF-17 Thunder' sold for Rs5m
HYDERABAD: A big bull named 'JF-17 Thunder', weighing 1,600 kilograms, was sold for Rs5 million here. The impressive sacrificial animal has attracted crowds eager for selfies and a closer look. Shahrukh, the bull's previous owner, organised a grand farewell featuring a festive procession filled with decorations and entertainment for the buyer and their guests. In a display of cultural exchange, hosts and visitors exchanged garlands, along with traditional Ajraks, celebrating the significance of this momentous occasion. The name of the bull seems to be inspired by JF-17 Thunder, a combat aircraft used by the Pakistan Air Force to successfully down Indian Air Force aircraft during the recent Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. The sale of the massive bull for such a significant sum highlights the immense value placed on prime sacrificial animals ahead of Eid ul Adha. While the impressive size and price of JF-17 Thunder have captured the public imagination, the true essence of sacrifice, as emphasised by religious scholars, lies in piety and seeking the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Sixteen hours' that reshaped South Asia
The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), a leading Islamabad-based think tank, has released a detailed report on the 2025 Pakistan-India standoff, describing it as a turning point that reaffirmed Pakistan's strategic deterrence and exposed what it called a "monumental miscalculation" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Titled "16 Hours that reshaped South Asia: How Modi's miscalculation led to Pakistan's primacy", the 25-page report was launched by PCI Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. He described the confrontation as "India's most serious setback since Nehru's defeat in the 1962 war with China". The report analyses the regional implications of the conflict that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, tracing events through to the eventual ceasefire. According to PCI, Pakistan's armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, responded with flawless inter-service coordination and strategic clarity. Hussain praised the military's use of sophisticated technology, including electronic warfare tools, claiming Pakistan achieved cyber supremacy during the confrontation. He also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), crediting their professionalism, training, and operational skill as vital to the successful response. Calling the episode "Pakistan's finest hour" since the 1998 nuclear testsduring which he served as Information MinisterSenator Hussain said the state exhibited "perfect planning, perfect coordination and perfect execution", further enhanced by deft diplomacy and effective media messaging. The report's cover, featuring images of JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, symbolises Pakistan's advanced military capabilities. It also underlines China's pivotal support, noting that under President Xi Jinping, Beijing stood by Pakistan "like a solid rock". The United States also received praise. Hussain credited President Donald Trump with brokering the ceasefire and helping revive the Kashmir issue on the international stage, which the report described as a blow to India's diplomatic standing. The think tank recommends a comprehensive strategic approach based on three pillars: proactive regional diplomacy, "creative lawfare" on issues like the Indus Waters Treaty, and global narrative shaping through think tanks, media, and diplomatic engagement.
