Southeast Asia & Oceanian Affairs
Date of Event:
May 28, 2025
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono did not rule out the possibility of purchasing J-10C fighter jets from China.
“We are considering it,” he stated here on Tuesday (May 27), noting that acquiring the main weapon system was not an easy decision.
Harjono explained that decisions regarding the purchase of TNI AU defense equipment must pass through several stages and be reviewed by the Defense Equipment Determination Council.
He noted that during this process, the government will assess all factors, including the suitability of the defense equipment for national defense and the impact on political relations with other countries.
He emphasized that Indonesia is a non-aligned country not involved in conflict with any country, which allows the TNI AU the flexibility to purchase defense equipment from any nation.
"We are also a non-aligned country, not siding with any bloc. We are good friends with everyone,” Harjono noted.
Once all considerations are carefully reviewed, the TNI AU will submit the procurement decision to the Ministry of Defense.
“Hence, every (piece of) defense equipment provided for the Air Force is actually based on the government’s decision, in this case, the Ministry of Defense,” he remarked.
News regarding Indonesia’s plan to purchase the J-10C fighter jet, developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, has been circulating lately.
The multirole combat aircraft attracted public attention after it was reportedly used by Pakistani pilots to shoot down five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale fighter jets.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defense Ministry has also completed the three contracts necessary to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.
“We are considering it,” he stated here on Tuesday (May 27), noting that acquiring the main weapon system was not an easy decision.
Harjono explained that decisions regarding the purchase of TNI AU defense equipment must pass through several stages and be reviewed by the Defense Equipment Determination Council.
He noted that during this process, the government will assess all factors, including the suitability of the defense equipment for national defense and the impact on political relations with other countries.
He emphasized that Indonesia is a non-aligned country not involved in conflict with any country, which allows the TNI AU the flexibility to purchase defense equipment from any nation.
"We are also a non-aligned country, not siding with any bloc. We are good friends with everyone,” Harjono noted.
Once all considerations are carefully reviewed, the TNI AU will submit the procurement decision to the Ministry of Defense.
“Hence, every (piece of) defense equipment provided for the Air Force is actually based on the government’s decision, in this case, the Ministry of Defense,” he remarked.
News regarding Indonesia’s plan to purchase the J-10C fighter jet, developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, has been circulating lately.
The multirole combat aircraft attracted public attention after it was reportedly used by Pakistani pilots to shoot down five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale fighter jets.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defense Ministry has also completed the three contracts necessary to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.
