Largest Muslim Country to Buy Rafale Killer J-10C Jets in $9 Billion Deal

Indonesia has announced plans to purchase China’s J-10 fighter jets, a move that would make it the second country after Pakistan to operate the advanced aircraft. The deal, worth nearly US$9 billion, marks Indonesia’s first acquisition of Chinese-made warplanes as it aims to modernize its military fleet. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying the J-10 jets would “soon be flying over Jakarta.” However, he did not disclose the delivery timeline or further details about the agreement. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said his ministry had already approved funding for the purchase, though he would “double check” the aircraft’s delivery schedule from Beijing. “Everything should be ready,” he said. According to the Associated Press, Indonesia plans to acquire at least 42 J-10 fighter jets, enhancing its aerial combat capabilities and strategic defense posture in the region. Pakistan is currently the only foreign operator of the J-10C variant. It ordered 36 jets from China in 2020, along with PL-15E air-to-air missiles, and has deployed around 20 so far. The aircraft gained global attention when the Pakistan Air Force used the J-10C to shoot down several Indian fighter jets, including at least one French-made Rafale, during a brief border clash. The incident marked the J-10C’s first recorded air-to-air kill in live combat and the first-ever loss of a Rafale jet in battle, showcasing the Chinese fighter’s advanced combat performance.