Indonesia to Send Fighter Pilots to China in Bold Step Toward Operating J-10 “Rafale Killer” ??

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a move that may signal a major shift in Southeast Asia’s strategic airpower calculus, Indonesia appears poised to dispatch its Air Force (TNI-AU) pilots to China for operational training on the Chengdu-built J-10C multirole fighter jets.

The revelation emerged during a meeting between Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and the Indonesian Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun, as documented in an official post on the minister’s verified X platform dated May 28.

“I received H.E. Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the People’s Republic of China, to discuss various strategic issues, including food security, military modernisation, and defence-industrial cooperation,” the post read.

“We also discussed the readiness of TNI-AU pilot deployment to China for J-10 fighter training, as well as evaluation of defence manufacturing facilities,” it added.

Shortly after the post began making rounds on regional defence monitoring platforms and international security forums, it was abruptly deleted.

This revelation comes amid widespread reports suggesting that Indonesia is negotiating the acquisition of 42 second-hand J-10C fighters from China—aircraft that gained combat credibility after their stellar performance in the recent Pakistan-India aerial conflict.

Jakarta is reportedly also reviving plans to procure Russia’s Su-35 fighters, a deal that was previously stalled under international scrutiny and logistical constraints.

Although no official confirmation has been issued by Indonesian authorities, multiple regional defence outlets expect a formal announcement during the Indo Defence Expo 2025, scheduled to be held from June 11 to 14 in Jakarta.

The dual-track acquisition strategy—embracing both Chinese and Russian platforms—suggests that Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to diversify its airpower capabilities amid growing regional volatility and uncertainty over Western arms supplies.

Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, recently reaffirmed that the Su-35 contract with Indonesia remains active, stating: “The Su-35 contract has never been cancelled. It’s still in progress. We will resume talks in due time.”

Indonesia had inked a US$1.14 billion deal in 2018 to procure 11 Su-35 “Flanker-E” fighters, but implementation was suspended in 2020 following sanctions pressure and shifting procurement priorities.

Meanwhile, the country is set to receive its first batch of six Rafale multirole fighters from France’s Dassault Aviation in February 2026 as part of a broader RM32 billion procurement of 42 aircraft to modernise its TNI-AU.

The recent surge in interest toward the J-10C stems from its reported success in the skies over South Asia, where Pakistan Air Force (PAF) J-10C units equipped with PL-15 BVR missiles allegedly downed six Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in a high-stakes engagement.

Among the downed aircraft were reportedly three French-built Rafales—widely touted as the cornerstone of India’s aerial superiority—along with one MiG-29, one Su-30MKI, and one Mirage 2000, although India has officially denied all such losses.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar directly claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that five Indian aircraft—including three Rafales—were destroyed by J-10Cs using the PL-15E missile, with the sixth, a Mirage 2000, taken down in a separate encounter.

The claims, though unverified, have fuelled global debate and cast a long shadow over Western combat platforms while elevating the J-10C’s battlefield credentials.

In the wake of these events, shares in Chengdu Aerospace Corporation surged sharply, while Dassault Aviation stock took a significant hit—underscoring the economic ramifications of perceived battlefield performance.

At the LIMA 2025 aerospace and maritime exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia, the J-10CE export variant dominated attention at China’s booth, according to a report by the state-run Global Times.

“The J-10CE, the export version of the J-10C, became a highlight at China’s booth during LIMA 2025 after proving itself in real combat, drawing immense attention from international visitors and military analysts alike,” the publication noted.

Through its state-owned arms exporter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), Beijing is actively marketing the J-10CE as a potent alternative to U.S. and Russian offerings in the global defence marketplace.

The fighter is now seen as a viable option for countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, which are looking to enhance airpower without incurring the geopolitical baggage or high costs often associated with Western arms deals.

Chinese military analysts quoted by Global Times assert that the J-10C—along with its integrated weapons systems—is reshaping perceptions of China’s defence industrial base and redefining global airpower competition.

Having entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2006, the J-10 series has become a central pillar of China’s fast-evolving aerial combat doctrine.

The J-10C represents the most advanced iteration of the series, incorporating state-of-the-art AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and full integration with the PL-15 BVR missile—capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 200 kilometres.

Built by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the J-10C features digital fly-by-wire controls, a highly integrated avionics suite, and indigenous WS-10B turbofan engines that improve reliability and autonomy.

Its delta-canard aerodynamic design enables superior manoeuvrability and versatility in air-to-air combat, ground attack, and anti-ship missions.

The export-focused J-10CE variant mirrors the operational configuration of the PAF, offering a scalable and combat-proven option to potential customers across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

As of 2025, the PLAAF is estimated to operate approximately 220 J-10C units, making it one of the most prolific 4.5-generation fighter fleets in Asia.

J-10C Fighter Technical Specifications:

Aerodynamics and Stealth:

• Delta-canard configuration for enhanced agility.

• Use of radar-absorbing composites and streamlined shaping for reduced radar cross-section.

Propulsion and Performance:

• Powered by the WS-10B turbofan engine.

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.0.

• Operational ceiling: 18,000 meters.

• Combat radius: 1,100–1,500 km depending on payload.

• Ferry range: Over 3,000 km with external tanks.

Avionics and Cockpit:

• Equipped with AESA radar offering multi-target tracking and strong ECM resistance.

• Glass cockpit with digital multifunction displays, fly-by-wire controls, HMD, and mission-adaptive systems.

Electronic Warfare Suite:

• Includes radar warning receivers (RWR), ECM pods, chaff and flare dispensers, and IRST for passive detection.

• Optimised for high-threat, contested airspace operations.

Weapons Loadout:

• 11 external hardpoints for versatile weapons configuration.

• Air-to-Air Missiles: PL-15 (long-range BVR), PL-10 (high agility IR), legacy PL-8/PL-12.

• Air-to-Ground/Anti-Ship: KD-88 (precision strike), YJ-91 (anti-ship/radar), laser- and satellite-guided munitions.

• EW pods and drop tanks can be configured for extended missions.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA