Indonesia to buy 42 fighter jets from China in its first non-Western aircraft deal
Indonesia makes first non-Western aircraft purchase
- Indonesia is set to acquire at least 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, marking its first non-Western aircraft purchase.
- Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed the deal, which forms part of a broader military modernisation programme.
- Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa approved a budget exceeding $9 billion for the purchase from China.
- This acquisition is part of President Prabowo Subianto's wider effort to upgrade Indonesia's military, which also includes recent deals for French Rafale jets and Turkish KAAN fighters.
- Analysts warn the move could heighten regional sensitivities and signal a shift in Indonesia's security orientation amid China's growing influence in Southeast Asia.