Indonesia has confirmed a significant defense deal to acquire 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets in a $9 billion agreement, marking a historic milestone in its military modernization efforts. Announced by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa in mid-October 2025, the jets are expected to be delivered soon, signaling Indonesia’s strategic shift towards diversifying its defense suppliers beyond the traditional Western and Russian sources. The J-10C, a 4.5-generation fighter equipped with advanced AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, will join Indonesia’s eclectic air fleet that includes French Rafale F4s, U.S. F-16s, Russian Su-27/30s, and future acquisitions like the F-15EX, KF-21, and Turkish Kaan fighters. This move follows years of seeking operational sovereignty and overcoming challenges in spare parts and technology transfers from Western deals. The purchase positions Indonesia as the second foreign operator of the J-10 after Pakistan, amid regional strategic recalibrations under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Delivery timelines remain to be confirmed with Beijing.