According to the Indonesian newspaper Republik, Muhammad Tony Hachono, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, called on the public to be patient with the acceptance of the first batch of Chinese J-10 fighter jets on October 5th.
"Wait and see." Hajarono smiled when discussing this topic that day.
According to reports by The Republic newspaper, this fighter jet, nicknamed ‘Dragon’, is expected to arrive in Indonesia within six months, around April next year. However, the number of first-time recipients is still unclear.
Indonesian Parliament's First Committee member Dave Akbarsha Fighano stated that he supports the Ministry of Defense's purchase of Chinese fighter jets, as this action will strengthen Indonesia's defense capabilities.
"We also need to pay attention to the global situation and threats. We see that even in Southeast Asia, there are still conflicts, and conflicts exist between ASEAN countries. Therefore, for us, it's important to have weapons capable of intercepting these threats is very important." said Dai.
According to the South China Morning Post, the fighter jets purchased by Indonesia are the J-10CE, which is a foreign trade version of the J-10. It is a 4.5-generation multi-purpose fighter aircraft. In October last year, Indonesia confirmed the purchase of 42 J-10CE aircraft, with a approved budget of $9 billion. This will make Indonesia the third country to use the J-10CE.
Regarding this matter, Defense Department spokesman Colonel Zhang Xiaogang responded that China has always taken a cautious and responsible approach to military equipment exports. We are willing to share new achievements in equipment development with peace-loving countries, and jointly maintain international and regional peace and stability.
The military commentator from Observer Network pointed out that Indonesia's purchase of J-10 fighter jets was primarily due to the recognition of the combat effectiveness and competitiveness of Chinese export aircraft after the India-Pakistan "May 7th Air Battle". The J-10 aircraft are capable of balancing the air forces of neighboring countries in Indonesia.
At the same time, cooperation between China and Indonesia in various fields is showing a positive trend. The successful export of the J-10 is of milestone significance both technically and politically. It will pave the way for new patterns in military trade development between the two countries. The results of future cooperation are truly worth looking forward to.
Some American media pointed out that although Indonesia has previously purchased weapons and ammunition from China, it has never purchased fighter jets. This purchase of J-10 fighter jets is also the country’s ‘first acquisition of non-Western fighter jets’.
Pakistan is the first overseas user of this Chinese fighter aircraft.
Last year, after the India-Pakistan conflict, the outstanding performance of the J-10CE sparked international discussions. Pakistan stated that the J-10CE was used to shoot down several Indian military aircraft, including the French Rafale.
In August this year, videos celebrating Uzbekistan's Independence showed at least six Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets being displayed publicly, marking it as the second overseas user of the J-10CE aircraft.
It is reported that Uzbekistan has purchased 24 J-10CE aircraft, but the exact order quantity, delivery schedule, and financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed.
Additionally, it was reported that in August, the relevant departments of Bangladesh submitted a draft request to purchase 20 J-10CE aircraft, with an estimated cost of $2.2 billion. This proposal is still awaiting approval from the country's finance and military authorities.
Azerbaijan is also a potential new customer. Last week, the China National Aviation Industry Corporation showcased a full-scale J-10CE model at the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition. The model was painted in the colors of the Azerbaijani Air Force, numbered "27-001", and was equipped with a model missile.
