Indonesia has signed a major defence agreement with China to purchase 42 J-10C multirole fighter jets in a deal valued at 65 billion yuan, equivalent to about $9 billion. The agreement marks one of the largest military aviation acquisitions in Southeast Asia in recent years and reflects Jakarta’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air force amid growing regional security concerns.
The J-10C is considered one of China’s most advanced fourth-generation fighter aircraft, equipped with modern radar systems, long-range missiles, and enhanced combat capabilities. Analysts say the aircraft will significantly strengthen Indonesia’s aerial defence capacity, especially as the country seeks to improve surveillance and response capabilities across its vast archipelago and maritime zones.
The deal is also viewed as a strategic boost for China’s defence industry and expanding military influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Beijing has increasingly promoted its military hardware to foreign buyers as an alternative to Western-made systems, offering competitive pricing and technology transfer opportunities to partner nations.
Security experts believe the purchase could reshape defence dynamics in Southeast Asia, where several countries are increasing military spending in response to territorial disputes and rising geopolitical competition. The agreement is expected to deepen defence cooperation between Indonesia and China while drawing close attention from regional and global powers monitoring developments in the Indo-Pacific.
