Indonesia Considers Buying China’s J-10 Jets After Pakistan Downs Indian Aircraft

Indonesia is evaluating the purchase of **China’s J-10 fighter jets**, following Pakistan’s reported use of the same aircraft to **successfully shoot down Indian warplanes** during recent military tensions between the two South Asian rivals.

According to international media reports, **Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister Doni Ermawan** confirmed that discussions are underway with China, and that **Pakistan’s battlefield success with the J-10C fighter jet is a significant factor** in their decision-making process.

“We are reviewing the J-10s, especially after observing how Pakistan used them effectively against Indian aircraft,” said Ermawan. He further revealed that China has not only offered fighter jets but also **warships, weapons, and other defense equipment** as part of a broader military cooperation proposal.

In addition to the J-10s, **U.S.-made F-15s and French Rafale jets** are also under consideration by Jakarta. Indonesia has been working to modernize its aging military hardware in recent years. In 2022, the country signed a deal worth **\$8.1 billion to acquire 42 French Rafale fighter jets**, with the first batch of six jets scheduled for delivery next year.

The J-10C fighter gained international attention following recent Pakistan-India hostilities, where the **Pakistan Air Force reportedly used the Chinese-built jets to shoot down five Indian warplanes**, including three French-made Rafales — a feat that stunned defense analysts worldwide.

Indonesia’s renewed interest in Chinese defense technology highlights shifting dynamics in the global arms market, as countries weigh **cost-effective and battle-tested alternatives** to traditional Western suppliers.