Rs 750000000000: THIS Muslim country set to buy 42 powerful fighter jets from India’s enemy, its not Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the name is…
In a development that is drawing worldwide attention, Indonesia is going to buy 42 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China in a deal valued at about $9 billion (around Rs 75,000 crore). This is the first major arms purchase Indonesia has made from Beijing. While speaking to the reporters, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that Indonesia would soon buy fighter jets from China as part of its military modernization program. Analysts warned that the agreement may raise regional sensitivities and carry serious geopolitical consequences.
Which country is planning to buy 42 fighter jets from China?
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said, “They will be flying over Jakarta soon,” as reported by AP. He refused to give more information about the transaction. This agreement is part of Indonesia’s modernization scheme, reportedly dubbed “Trishula Nusantara,” under which the country is replacing its aging fleet of F-16 and Sukhoi aircraft. Indonesia has also ordered 42 Rafale jets from France (for $8.1 billion) and 48 KAAN fighters from Turkey, under the same modernization program.
In June, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey will ship 48 of its KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia. Erdoğan posted on X that the jets will be produced in Turkey before being sent to Indonesia.
What type of fighter jets are being purchased? How much is the deal worth?
In January 2024, Indonesia completed an agreement to procure 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, which are anticipated to begin arriving early in 2026. The largest economy in Southeast Asia also announced the acquisition of two French Scorpene Evolved submarines and 13 Thales ground control interception radars, as reported by AP.
Defense analysts view this deal as reflecting Indonesia’s “Bebas-Aktif” (Independent and Active) policy, whereby Indonesia obtains the best technology available in accordance with Indonesia’s national interest and without being aligned with a single bloc.
Analyst Benny Sukadis said that the deal with China can also be interpreted as a sign of Beijing’s growing reach in Southeast Asia. On another note, Muhammad Zulfikar Rahmat, an Indonesian think tank expert, wrote about the reactions of foreign powers, stating that foreign powers may promote their agendas, but Indonesia buys what serves its own interests.”
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Analyst Benny Sukadis said that the deal with China can also be interpreted as a sign of Beijing’s growing reach in Southeast Asia.
- Chinese military experts described the J-10C as “cost-effective, excellent in radar and missile capabilities.
- In January 2024, Indonesia completed an agreement to procure 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
- Indonesia is going to buy 42 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China in a deal valued at about $9 billion.
According to China’s Ministry of Defense, the agreement constitutes “cooperation for regional stability.” Chinese military experts described the J-10C as “cost-effective, excellent in radar and missile capabilities, and a battle-proven platform.” This is the same aircraft that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has used in recent conflicts.
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