Indonesia to take delivery of first Chinese J-10CE fighter jets in 6 months, report says

Indonesia is expected to receive its first Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets in six months, according to an Indonesian media report, which would make it the third international operator of the Chinese-made aircraft.

Jakarta confirmed an order of 42 of the 4.5-generation fighter jets – known as Vigorous Dragons – last October, with an approved budget of US$9 billion.

The first delivery is expected in April though it is not known how many aircraft will be delivered, Indonesian news outlet Republika Online reported on Monday, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono did not give an update on the order but asked for patience from the public, saying “just wait” for the Chinese Vigorous Dragons to arrive, according to the report.

The J-10CE – the export variant of the J-10C – was developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Its relatively low cost compared to Western fighter jets and flexible supply arrangements have drawn buyers seeking to modernise their air force fleets.

News of the Indonesian delivery schedule follows the formal induction of the J-10CE into the Uzbekistan Air Force. State television broadcast footage of at least six J-10CEs taking part in a ceremony in August, confirming Uzbekistan as the second foreign operator of the fighter jet after Pakistan.

Uzbekistan has reportedly procured 24 J-10CE fighters, though the exact order size, delivery schedule and financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed.

Also in August, Bangladesh reportedly submitted a draft proposal to buy 20 J-10CE fighters for an estimated US$2.2 billion, pending final approval from the country’s Ministry of Finance and the Armed Forces Division.

Azerbaijan has also emerged as a potential new customer. CAC’s parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, had a full-scale J-10CE mock-up on show at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition in Baku last week. It was painted in Azerbaijani Air Force markings with the serial number “27-001” and carried model missiles.

This was interpreted by military observers as a tailored sales pitch to Azerbaijan, while Chinese media suggested that the display also indicated Baku’s growing recognition of the J-10CE.

While Azerbaijan has not confirmed it will buy the J-10CE, it is already operating the JF-17 Block III, a fighter jet jointly developed by CAC and Pakistan.

A few other countries are also reportedly considering the J-10CE, such as Egypt and Algeria, though none of them have confirmed a purchase.

Until recently, Pakistan was the only confirmed foreign buyer of the J-10CE. The single-engine multirole fighter attracted international attention after the Pakistan Air Force claimed it shot down Indian aircraft – including French-made Rafales – using J-10CEs during a military conflict in May 2025.