Indonesia’s multi-nation fighter jet fleet might develop with China’s cheaper J-10s, however what worth would possibly it pay? | USAEMALL.com

REGIONAL STABILITY AT RISK

For more than a decade, Indonesia has been championing ASEAN to formulate a code of conduct in the South China Sea. However, apparent divergence between countries with close military ties to China, such as Cambodia and Laos, and those without, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, has made reaching a consensus nearly impossible. 

“Indonesia establishing close military ties with China would put into question Indonesia’s neutrality and credibility in the South China Sea issue or other disputes involving China,” Teuku said. 

The international expert also cautioned the possibility of an arms race in the region. 

Since Indonesia purchased the 4.5-generation Rafale jets, Thailand has announced plans to buy 12 JAS-39E Gripens from Sweden’s Saab over the next 10 years while the Philippines has signed a contract to purchase 12 FA-50 Golden Eagles from Korea Aerospace Industries.  

Like the Rafales, the Gripens is a 4.5-generation fighter jet while the FA-50 is a fourth-generation aircraft which puts it on par with the US F-16. 

Indonesia is also negotiating the purchase of 24 of the 4.5-generation F-15EX from the US. 

Its reported agreement with Turkey to purchase KAAN fifth-generation planes would make it the second country in ASEAN to have such advanced fighter jets.   

Singapore last year announced plans to acquire eight F-35A fighter aircraft, complementing the previously announced purchase of 12 F-35Bs. The US is limiting the sales of the F-35 to a few select countries while restricting the sales of the F-22 outside of the US. 

Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have had their request to buy the F-35 rejected on several occasions. 

Purchasing the J-10, experts say, might one day open the possibility for China to sell its fifth-generation fighters to Indonesia. China currently has two fifth-generation fighter jets: the Chengdu J-20 and the Shenyang J-35.

“This will certainly prompt other ASEAN countries to seek their own fifth-generation fighter jets,” Teuku said.