Indonesia has confirmed the purchase of 42 Chengdu J-10C multipurpose fighters from the Chinese company Chengdu Aircraft Corporationin a deal worth more than US$9 billion, according to defense officials.
The agreement marks a new phase in the country’s strategy to diversify its defense partners, as Indonesia already operates both Western and Russian aircraft.
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According to the Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin the first J-10Cs will “soon fly over Jakarta”, indicating a fast-track delivery programme. The purchase could make Indonesia the second foreign operator of this aircraft type, after Pakistan.
What the J-10C brings to the Indonesian Air Force
- Multimodus AESA-radar: ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, with high resistance to electronic countermeasures, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground modes.
- PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile: latest generation BVR weapons, supplemented by PL-10 for close combat, integrated with helmet-mounted sight.
- Electronic warfare and self-defense: radar sensors, pity and countermeasures systems, as well as low signature technology.
- Glass cockpit and datalink: sensor fusion and improved situational awareness in tactical networks.
- WS-10-motor: the latest versions use the Chinese-made WS-10 turbofan motor; reported top speed near Mach 1.8 and high maneuverability.
In terms of armament, the J-10C can carry laser/GPS guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles and anti-ship missilesenabling it to carry out a wide range of missions – from air superiority to maritime interception and close support, in line with Indonesia’s geographic distinctiveness as an island nation.
Strategic importance: diversification and regional signal
The purchase of the J-10C takes place in parallel with projects with Western partners – such as the Dassault Rafale – and reflects the desire for to reduce addiction by a single supplier, as well as increase availability and the coverage in a country with both large land areas and extensive maritime borders. Analysts believe this could affect the balance of power in Southeast Asia.
Regional experts point out that the integration of Chinese-made aircraft will require specialized training, own logistics chain and interoperability with Western platforms already in operation.
Technical Specifications — Chengdu J-10C
- Category: multipurpose fighter (4th, 5th generation)
- Motor: 1× WS-10 (turbo fan motor with afterburner)
- Radar: multimode AESA
- Typical armament: PL-15 (BVR), PL-10 (WVR), precision bombs (laser/GPS), air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles
- Avionics: glass cockpithelmet mounted sight, datalinksensor fusion
The way forward
After the political approval, the program will proceed to final contract signing, delivery schedule and training of pilots and technicianswith delivery of the first aircraft expected within the current government’s term.
Source and images: Channel News Asia | FlightGlobal | South China Morning | Wikimedia – PLA/Divulgação. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editors.
