Indonesia is considering a deal with China to acquire J-10 fighter jets, a move that could make it the third country, after China and Pakistan, to operate these aircraft. However, experts warn that this decision could have significant diplomatic implications for Indonesia.

Experts caution that acquiring the J-10 jets could compromise Indonesia's neutrality and credibility regarding the South China Sea dispute. It may also lead to an arms race in the region and impact the operational readiness of Indonesia's airforce. Some analysts believe that such a deal could serve China's strategic interests more than Indonesia's.

Recent reports confirmed that China offered to sell J-10 fighter jets to Jakarta during a visit by Indonesian Air Force officials to China. The offer comes after a J-10 aircraft flown by Pakistan shot down several Indian jets, including French-made Rafale fighters.

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced plans to send military pilots to China for J-10 training and visit the production facility in Chengdu. The affordability of the J-10 jets is a key factor for Indonesia, especially as the country is implementing austerity measures to fund social programs.

However, experts believe that the potential downsides of the deal, such as strained relations with existing military partners who view China as a threat, outweigh the benefits. China has been actively encouraging Indonesia to purchase the J-10 jets, but this move could impact Indonesia's security interests in the long run.

Indonesia has been seeking to modernize its military equipment and diversify its defense suppliers. In 2022, the country signed a deal to purchase 42 Rafale jets from France. The decision to acquire Chinese fighter jets could have far-reaching consequences for Indonesia's foreign relations and military capabilities.