Indonesia&rsquo;s J-10 Gamble: What It Means for Regional Security and Indian Interests
Indonesia&rsquo;s reported interest in acquiring China&rsquo;s J-10C fighter aircraft represents more than just another addition to Jakarta&rsquo;s air fleet. It signifies a noteworthy recalibration of the Southeast Asian power&rsquo;s defence posture&mdash;one that moves it subtly but unmistakably toward Beijing&rsquo;s strategic orbit. For India, and indeed for the larger Indo-Pacific community, this development carries layered implications that extend well beyond bilateral defence economics.
Historically, Indonesia has sourced its high-end weaponry from Western powers, with recent purchases of French Rafales and plans for American F-15EXs underlining its preference for battle-proven NATO-standard systems. The potential acquisition of the J-10C, therefore, is not just a matter of affordability or availability&mdash;it indicates an evolving strategic outlook. The J-10C, equipped with an AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missiles, and Chinese avionics, represents China&rsquo;s ambition to globalise its indigenous defence exports&mdash;making inroads into markets traditionally dominated by the West and Russia.
Indonesia's military doctrine is grounded in maritime security, archipelagic defence, and non-alignment. However, the increasing maritime assertiveness of China in the South China Sea, often overlapping with Indonesia&rsquo;s Exclusive Economic Zone around Natuna Islands, has historically put Jakarta on a cautious path. That very caution now appears to be giving way to a pragmatic policy of balancing rather than confronting Beijing&mdash;aligning diplomatically while buying time through military diversification.
From an Indian standpoint, this is a development that warrants scrutiny. India has enjoyed robust strategic relations with Indonesia, particularly in naval cooperation and joint patrols in the Indian Ocean Region. However, the J-10C deal, if finalised, may deepen Chinese influence in ASEAN defence infrastructure&mdash;challenging India&rsquo;s efforts to maintain a multipolar Indo-Pacific order. It could also create interoperability issues during joint drills or peacekeeping coordination between India and Indonesia, should Chinese systems gain more integration into Indonesia's military.
Moreover, the regional optics cannot be ignored. Pakistan is the only current J-10C operator besides China, and the jet was reportedly used during recent Indo-Pak tensions&mdash;raising operational concerns for India, particularly if Jakarta seeks joint exercises or technological synergy with Islamabad down the line. The presence of a common Chinese-origin platform in multiple regional air forces could give Beijing a strategic backdoor into the military architectures of its periphery.
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At a tactical level, while the J-10C is no match for the Rafale or the Su-30 MKI in terms of range or multirole depth, it is a potent 4.5-generation fighter with credible capabilities in air superiority and standoff strike roles. Its affordability, ease of deployment from short runways, and network-centric warfare features make it an attractive buy for nations looking to quickly upscale airpower at a reasonable cost. But these benefits must be weighed against the long-term strategic costs of becoming entangled with Chinese defence ecosystems, including training, spare parts, digital infrastructure, and potential data vulnerabilities.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.benefitnews.in/opinion/india-s-operation-sindoor-sets-new-deterrence-line/10959">https://www.benefitnews.in/opinion/india-s-operation-sindoor-sets-new-deterrence-line/10959</a>
 Indonesia&rsquo;s interest in the J-10C underscores a shifting strategic calculus in Southeast Asia. While not a full pivot to China, it represents Jakarta&rsquo;s nuanced hedging in a multipolar world. For India, this is a signal to deepen its defence diplomacy with ASEAN partners and step up indigenous defence exports to provide a viable alternative to Chinese military hardware. The skies over Southeast Asia are getting increasingly contested&mdash;not just with aircraft, but with influence.

China's J-10 Jet fighters (image source - social media)

Jakarta's J-10 interest marks tilt towards Beijing, reshaping SE Asia’s military equation

Indonesia Eyes J-10: Shift in Defence Doctrine

Jakarta's J-10 interest marks tilt towards Beijing, reshaping SE Asia’s military equation

June 6, 2025 | 20:19 IST