[By Guancha Network Columnist Guan Xin]

The Deputy Minister of Indonesia's Ministry of Defense, Tofanto, mentioned the other day that they are assessing the feasibility of purchasing J-10 fighters. Although this is just a proposal from the Indonesian military, it still makes Chinese people feel pleased. As the leading power in Southeast Asia, if Indonesia really procures J-10 fighters, it will be a significant breakthrough for China's arms exports.

However, Indonesia's military examination of the J-10 could just be one of the strategies in its negotiations with the U.S. and France. The main aircraft types currently in service for the Indonesian Air Force are U.S.-made F-16 fighters and Russian-made Su-27/30 fighters. For their replacement models, in 2022, Indonesia announced the procurement of 42 Dassault "Rafale" fighters at a cost of $8.1 billion, with delivery planned to begin gradually from 2026.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Jakarta and signed an intent agreement with Indonesia for additional Rafale fighter jets. In 2023, Indonesia reached a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Boeing to purchase 24 F-15EX fighters, but the price tag of approximately $8 billion has yet to be finalized.

At this time, the potential acquisition of J-10 by Indonesia naturally draws high attention from the country, making it impossible not to compare and consider. However, in arms trade, weapon performance and price are not the only factors considered; a balance must be sought among political security, military effectiveness, economic cost, and diplomatic relations. In some arms purchases, even the amount of commission can influence the buyer's choice. Indonesia has historically adopted a "diversified" approach in defense procurement. Its strategic intention is clear: on one hand, by dispersing procurement sources, it enhances strategic independence from external forces; on the other hand, it maximizes negotiation leverage and procurement benefits through balancing various parties.

Therefore, Indonesia showing interest in the J-10 is certain, but it won't easily make a decision to procure. It also needs to consider the pressure from the U.S. and France. There have been instances where some countries used Chinese weapons as bargaining chips with Europe and America. We don't oppose or object to this, as it at least indicates that China's military industry has developed to a level capable of balancing Europe and America.但从印尼的角度来看，购买J-10显然更划算，这笔账很容易算清楚。

In early May, military blogger "Defence Affairs 24" released a comparison video on the YouTube channel, providing a detailed comparison of multiple technical parameters between the Rafale fighter jet developed by France's Dassault Corporation and the J-10C fighter jet developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group of China Aviation Industry Corporation.

With the enhancement of China's international influence, military strength, and continuous development of the Chinese military industry, the benefits of genuinely embracing Chinese equipment are becoming increasingly evident. Currently, besides Pakistan, several countries have already ordered or are seriously negotiating the procurement of J-10 fighters.

If Indonesia truly chooses the J-10, it would also strengthen the bond of security and mutual trust in its relationship with China. If it doesn't buy, we may find it regrettable, but the real loser would be Indonesia.

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Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512711300238017024/

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