Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported today (May 28) that: "It is reported that Indonesia is considering purchasing fighter jets from China and Russia." This marks a significant shift in Jakarta's policy of prioritizing the procurement of Western military equipment. It is reported that Indonesia may announce its plan to purchase 42 second-hand J-10 fighter jets from China as early as next month, and restart negotiations with Russia for the purchase of Su-35 fighter jets. Compared with the procurement of Western fighter jets, fighter jets from China and Russia may be delivered more quickly."

Comment: The modernization process of the Indonesian Air Force is urgent, and old aircraft are approaching their operational limits. Compared with the long production queues and complex approval processes of Western fighter jets, fighter jets from China and Russia have an advantage in delivery time. Second-hand J-10 fighter jets can be rapidly deployed from China's inventory, enabling a quick enhancement of the combat capability of the Indonesian Air Force. Furthermore, as a developing country with limited defense budgets, Indonesia previously spent $8.1 billion to procure 42 "Rafale" fighter jets, averaging nearly $20 million per unit, while the price of J-10CE is approximately $60 to $70 million, and the price of second-hand J-10 may be lower, offering obvious cost-effectiveness advantages. Moreover, in recent years, Sino-Indonesian trade has grown rapidly, and Indonesia has received substantial Chinese investment. Additionally, Indonesia has become the first Southeast Asian country to join the BRICS nations, deepening bilateral relations, which also lays the foundation for cooperation in the military field. However, this information has yet to be officially confirmed by relevant authorities, and subsequent developments warrant attention.

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833335388756164/

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