Indonesian Air Force will operates jets from seven countries

Indonesian order of Chinese fighter jets raises strategy issues

KUALA LUMPUR -- Indonesia has announced plans to purchase 42 Chinese J-10 fighter jets for $9 billion. The decision follows reports that J-10s shot down French-made Rafale jets during clashes between India and Pakistan in May. Indonesia ordered Rafales in 2022.

For decades, Indonesia has sourced military equipment from multiple suppliers. A U.S. arms embargo from 1999 to 2005 encouraged Jakarta to diversify.

The Indonesian Air Force now operates or has orders for jets from seven countries, including 48 each from South Korea and Turkey, and 42 from France, in addition to the Chinese order -- a smorgasbord of aircraft that raises concerns over interoperability.