Indonesia looking to procure 42 used J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighters from China
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| A Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter of the PLAAF. |
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) was reported to have approved a proposal to procure up to 42 used J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter aircraft from China as part of its efforts to modernize and expand its combat capabilities.
According to Intelligence Online, the TNI-AU has been looking at rapid ways to build up its fighter fleet after delays in replacing its retired fleet of Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II light fighters.
The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) under the leadership of former Defence Minister and now Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto previously proposed the acquisition of several different platforms, both brand new and used.
Among them were the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker, 11 of which were ordered in 2018 but cancelled in 2021; brand new Dassault Rafale F4 from France, of which a total of 42 units were ordered in several batches; ex-Qatari Dassault Mirage 2000-5 which was cancelled, brand new Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters in which the MOD signed a Memorandum of Agreement for 24 units in 2023; and participation in South Korea’s KF-X program as a stakeholder.
Due to the long duration to acquire, manufacture and deliver new fighters, the Indonesian MOD held discussions with China on possible alternatives, with the proposal to sell second-hand J-10 fighters being floated.
The J-10s will be taken from active fighter squadrons of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which in turn will receive much newer fighters. This allows for the immediate delivery of the fighters.
The recent conflict between India and Pakistan and the reported success of a Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter in downing a Rafale fighter of the Indian Air Force using a Chinese-made PL-15 long range air-to-air missile drew further interest from Indonesia to consider the proposal.
[2] Alert5
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
on
May 28, 2025
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