Indonesia is currently considering the procurement of the Chinese-built J-10 Vigorous Dragon, a fourth-generation combat aircraft, for its air force. The exploration of this option arises following a visit by Indonesian military officials to China, indicating a potential shift in the nation’s defense strategy. This development comes just two months after Indonesia expressed interest in a billion-dollar deal for the F-15EX Eagle II jets from American aerospace giant Boeing.
Indonesian Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto confirmed the Chinese offer but emphasized that the country is still in the initial assessment phase. No official team has been dispatched to evaluate the J-10’s technical specifications or to participate in a bidding process. Taufanto remarked, “If we find that the jet performs well, meets our criteria, and comes at a good price, why not?” He further mentioned that Indonesia is not limited by any alliance, allowing the country to consider military acquisitions from various nations, including China.
The Indonesian Air Force currently operates a mix of U.S.-made F-16 Fighting Falcons and Russian Sukhoi jets. In 2023, the government entered a memorandum of understanding with Boeing regarding the potential sale of F-15EX aircraft to modernize its air combat capabilities. The Pentagon has indicated that integrating these new jets would enhance Indonesia’s existing fleet and facilitate interoperability with American forces.
The approval process for acquiring the F-15EX was completed a year earlier, coinciding with a contract for purchasing Rafale warplanes from France. However, a final agreement has yet to be signed. Additionally, Indonesia previously considered adopting a modern version of Russia’s Sukhoi system but withdrew due to complications related to the acquisition process and concerns over U.S. sanctions.
The J-10, designated as the “Firebird” by NATO, is an advanced combat aircraft featuring a length of 17 meters (approximately 56 feet) and a wingspan of 10 meters (about 33 feet). It is armed with a variety of munitions, including autocannons, unguided rockets, guided bombs, multi-domain warheads, and anti-radiation missiles. Powered by a Shenyang WS-10 afterburning turbofan engine, the J-10 has a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 kilometers/2,877 miles) and can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8 (2,223 kilometers/1,381 miles per hour), with a service ceiling of 18,000 meters (59,055 feet). The aircraft has recently been observed in operational capacity as part of Pakistan’s military fleet amid ongoing tensions with India over the Kashmir region.
As Indonesia continues to navigate its defense options, the decision on whether to pursue the J-10, the F-15EX, or other aircraft will play a significant role in shaping its future military capabilities.
