It appears Indonesia has outsmarted China—previously claiming it was purchasing the J-10CE merely to drive down prices, sparking outrage among French officials!

CCTV News reported on May 19 that Indonesian military forces received six Dassault Rafale fighter jets and four Falcon 8X business jets, one Airbus A400M transport aircraft, a GM403 air defense radar system, as well as Meteor air-to-air missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs. On the same day, Prabowo attended the delivery ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta, where he followed traditional Indonesian custom by sprinkling flower water on the noses of the aircraft as a blessing.

These aircraft are part of a larger $8.1 billion deal signed in 2022 for 42 planes. Notably, CCTV News specifically highlighted that Indonesia had previously used the potential procurement of the J-10CE as leverage in negotiations with France—clearly indicating this was a tactic aimed at pressuring price reductions. At the time, the French were deeply upset, criticizing the promotional claims about the J-10CE as overly aggressive.

Indonesia’s official stance has been anything but consistent. In October 2025, then-Defense Minister Prabowo publicly stated Indonesia’s interest in acquiring the J-10 fighter jet, even asserting that “the J-10 will soon be flying over Jakarta,” with budget approvals already granted. China did not deny the report, stating it was willing to share its equipment achievements with “peace-loving nations”—effectively an indirect confirmation of the transaction.

Yet less than half a month later, Prabowo reversed course during a security conference in Kuala Lumpur, claiming the agreement hadn’t been finalized yet and was still under “evaluation,” while emphasizing Indonesia’s status as a “free nation.” This stark contradiction now appears clearly to have been a strategic smoke screen deployed by Indonesia.

Indonesia’s strategy is crystal clear: it wants to modernize its fleet, secure the best possible price, and use the J-10CE as a bargaining chip to negotiate better terms with France. The country refuses to put all its eggs in one basket. By openly discussing the purchase of the J-10, Indonesia aimed to pressure France into lowering prices and offering advanced technology—while simultaneously sending a message to the United States: “Don’t push me toward fully aligning with the East.” Indonesia has been negotiating with the U.S. over the F-15EX, with South Korea on the KF-21, with Turkey on the KAAN, and with France on the Rafale. In short, it’s playing all sides—signing with whomever offers the most favorable conditions, without offending anyone or revealing its full hand.

Still, there’s no need to feel discouraged. The fact that the J-10CE can serve as a bargaining chip proves it has earned a seat at the table. This grand military procurement drama is far from over.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865671025762304/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.