Indonesia has decided to cancel a planned deal to purchase 42 Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighter jets, according to sources close to the matter. The decision marks a reversal from earlier reports that suggested the deal was imminent, which would have been Indonesia's first non-Western aircraft purchase.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had confirmed the impending deal on Wednesday, stating it was part of a broader military modernisation programme. However, no further details were provided, and the deal has now been scrapped. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa had also confirmed budget approval exceeding $9 billion for the purchase.
Analysts had warned that the agreement could heighten regional sensitivities and carry significant geopolitical implications, particularly regarding the South China Sea. Beni Sukadis, a defence analyst, noted that a major arms purchase from Beijing could be read as a shift in Indonesia's security orientation.
Indonesia continues to pursue other military acquisitions, including 42 French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, with first delivery expected in early 2026, and 48 Turkish KAAN fighter jets. The country also has existing fighter jets from the U.S., Russia, and Britain that need upgrades or replacement.
