Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed the approval of a budget for Indonesia’s purchase of Chengdu J-10 fighter jets from China, marking one of the country’s largest defense procurements to date. The deal, valued at around US$9 billion or IDR 148 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 16,500), is set for implementation next year.
“US$9 billion, if I’m not mistaken, or more. I forget the exact figure, but it’s been approved, so everything should be ready,” Purbaya said at the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) Headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday (10/15/2025).
Purbaya noted that while the budget allocation has been finalized, the schedule for delivery remains under the Ministry of Defense’s coordination. “We need to double-check with the Defense Ministry regarding the exact import timeline,” he added. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously confirmed that the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will receive the Chengdu J-10 jets, with the first units expected to arrive in Jakarta soon.
The Chengdu J-10, known as Vigorous Dragon, is a single-engine, medium-weight, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Designed for air superiority and ground-attack missions, the J-10 is widely regarded as China’s counterpart to the American F-16 Fighting Falcon and is currently in service with both the PLAAF and Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The first J-10 prototype was assembled in 1997, making its maiden flight in March 1998, and entered full service in 2006. By 2024, more than 600 units had been produced. The jet can reach a top speed of Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,327 km/h) and a maximum altitude of 18,000 meters. Its operational range extends to 1,850 km, with a combat radius of 550 km. Weighing 9,750 kg at empty and up to 19,277 kg at maximum takeoff, the J-10 is powered by the AL-31 turbojet engine from Russia’s Saturn Lyulka, offering a balance of speed and agility.
The J-10 incorporates a digital fly-by-wire control system and HOTAS (hands-on throttle and stick) configuration, enabling pilots to perform high-maneuverability combat maneuvers efficiently. Its advanced cockpit setup includes a helmet-mounted display, a wide-field head-up display, a color multifunction display, and two monochrome LCD panels.
Radar systems for the J-10 may include options such as the Chinese Type 1473, JL-10A, or foreign variants like Russia’s Phazotron Zhuk-10PD, Israel’s IAI Elta EL/M-2023, or Italy’s Galileo Avionica Grifo 2000. The aircraft supports a diverse range of air-to-air missiles, including the Chinese PL-8, PL-11, and PL-12, as well as Russian-made R-73 (AA-11 Archer) and R-77 (AA-12 Adder).
Indonesia’s decision to acquire the J-10 signals a significant step in diversifying its defense partnerships and modernizing its air fleet. The move reflects Jakarta’s commitment to strengthening its air defense capabilities amid evolving regional dynamics, as well as its broader ambition to maintain strategic balance and enhance national security through advanced military technology.
October 17, 2025, detikFinance
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