Bloomberg: Indonesia Considering the Purchase of Export Version of China's J-10 Fighter Jets! Indonesia has indicated that China is prepared to sell J-10 fighter jets to the country. These aircraft have recently been tested in actual combat situations between Pakistan and India in the Kashmir conflict. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto stated on Wednesday during a public discussion in Jakarta that the government is evaluating whether this widely used Chinese Air Force aircraft can meet Indonesia's operational requirements and integrate into existing systems. He mentioned that this offer was proposed during an Indonesian Air Force official's visit to China, but the assessment is still in its preliminary stage. Indonesia has not yet sent a team for technical inspections nor further advanced this proposal. Taufanto said, "This is currently just a proposal." Indonesia is considering purchasing the J-10 due to rising global military spending, partly driven by geopolitical tensions such as those in Ukraine and Russia. These negotiations also reflect Indonesia's efforts under President Prabowo to promote military modernization through diversified procurement channels. Prabowo has promised to enhance the capabilities of the national air force and navy while maintaining diplomatic neutrality. The J-10, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is a single-engine multirole fighter jet. It was recently involved in actual combat between Pakistan and India. Islamabad received the J-10C in 2022, seen as a response to India's acquisition of the French Rafale fighters. Meanwhile, Indonesia itself is procuring Rafale fighters through another agreement. As Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia has previously purchased ammunition and airborne surveillance systems from China but has never procured Chinese fighter jets before. If successful, this would mean further deepening of security relations with China, which is Indonesia's largest trading partner and major source of foreign investment. Since Prabowo's administration, Indonesia has been exploring diverse fighter jet options from traditional allies and emerging partners. Indonesia is involved in South Korea's KF-21 supersonic fighter jet project, and Prabowo expressed interest in Turkey's development of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter earlier this April. Recently, Bloomberg reported that Prabowo has instructed defense officials to consider resuming the previous plan to purchase Boeing F-15EX fighters. Taufanto stated that Indonesia's procurement strategy reflects a pragmatic non-aligned defense concept, allowing the country to flexibly engage in military purchases with multiple parties. He said, "Why not buy if we find a fighter jet that performs excellently, meets standards, and is reasonably priced? We are not bound by any alliance and can procure weapons from any country including China." Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834227856780292/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.