Indonesia could receive its first Chengdu J-10 fighter jets around April 2027, according to a report by Indonesian news outlet Republika Online, cited by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Republika reported on October 5, 2026 that the first aircraft are expected in about six months. It did not say how many jets would be included in the initial delivery.
If the delivery goes ahead, Indonesia would become the first Southeast Asian operator of the Chinese-built fighter. According to the report, it would also be the type’s third international operator, after Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Asked about the timeline, Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono did not give details, telling the public to “just wait” for the aircraft to arrive.
Questions remain over numbers and variant
Despite the reported timeline, key details of the acquisition remain unclear.
The report said Jakarta confirmed an order for 42 J-10CE fighters in October 2025, backed by an approved budget of about $9 billion.
However, Malaysian outlet Defence Security Asia (DSA) noted that Defense Ministry information chief Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait denied the existence of a 42-aircraft, $9 billion agreement in May 2026.
Figures of 12, 24 and 42 aircraft have all been reported at different times, and Indonesia has yet to publicly confirm a final number. It is also unclear whether Jakarta will receive new J-10CE export aircraft or second-hand J-10Bs from Chinese air force stocks. According to DSA, one foreign loan plan earmarked up to $1.6 billion for J-10B fighters.
The J-10CE is fitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and can carry China’s PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile, while the older J-10B uses a passive electronically scanned array radar and an earlier generation of weapons.
Part of a crowded fighter plan
Indonesia first confirmed its interest in the J-10 in October 2025, when Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the jets would be flying over Jakarta soon.
The Chinese fighters would join one of Asia’s most varied combat fleets. Indonesia ordered 42 Dassault Rafales in 2022, with deliveries now underway, and signed a deal with Turkey for 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighters in 2025.
It also remains a partner, in a reduced role, in South Korea’s KF-21 program. Its current fleet includes US-built F-16s and Russian-made Su-27 and Su-30 fighters.
Analysts have warned that operating aircraft from so many suppliers will add to the burden of maintenance, training and logistics, with each type requiring its own spare parts, weapons and support infrastructure.
The purchase would also mark the first time a Chinese fighter has entered service with a Southeast Asian air force, in line with Indonesia’s long-standing “free and active” foreign policy locally known as bebas aktif of not aligning with any single power bloc.