ISLAMABAD: A high-level Indonesian defence delegation, led by Minister ofDefence Lt Gen (R) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, recently engaged in strategicdiscussions with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer AhmedBaber Sidhu in Islamabad, igniting speculation over Jakarta’s potentialacquisition of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. This meeting, followingIndonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Pakistan, highlightsdeepening bilateral ties in aviation and defence. While Indonesia hascommitted to 42 French Rafale jets in a multi-billion-dollar deal, interestin the Pakistan-China jointly developed JF-17 persists, raising questionsabout strategic diversification in Southeast Asia’s largest archipelagonation facing vast maritime responsibilities.
The core intrigue lies in why Indonesia, having finalised the Rafaleprocurement valued at approximately $8.1 billion, now explores the JF-17, alighter multi-role combat aircraft proven in recent conflicts. Reportsindicate advanced talks for over 40 JF-17 units, alongside drones andtraining programmes. This development underscores Jakarta’s pragmaticapproach to modernising its ageing fleet, which includes legacy F-16s,Hawks, and Russian platforms, while balancing fiscal constraints andoperational needs across more than 17,000 islands.
One primary reason centres on the absence of stringent sanctions orpolitical strings attached to the JF-17. Unlike Western suppliers, who mayimpose end-user restrictions or technology transfer limitations, thePakistan-China partnership offers greater autonomy. Indonesia, pursuing anon-aligned foreign policy, seeks to avoid over-reliance on any singlesource amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific, including SouthChina Sea tensions. The JF-17’s export-oriented design aligns with thisflexibility, enabling seamless integration without external interference.
Advanced weaponry integration further enhances the JF-17’s appeal. TheBlock III variant incorporates Chinese PL-12 and PL-15 beyond-visual-rangemissiles, providing robust air-to-air capabilities with ranges reportedlyexceeding 200 kilometres in certain configurations. These missiles,battle-tested in regional scenarios, offer competitive performance againstcontemporary threats. For Indonesia, requiring versatile platforms formaritime patrol and air superiority, such munitions complement high-endsystems like the Rafale’s Meteor, creating a layered defence posturewithout duplicating capabilities.
Long-range standoff weapons represent another compelling factor. The JF-17supports precision munitions such as the CM-400AKG supersonicair-to-surface missile, enabling strikes from safe distances against navalor ground targets. In Indonesia’s archipelagic environment, where defendingextensive exclusive economic zones is paramount, these capabilities addressgaps in current inventory. The aircraft’s eight hardpoints accommodatediverse payloads, including anti-ship and cruise missiles, enhancingmulti-role flexibility at a fraction of Western alternatives’ lifecyclecosts.
Helmet-mounted cueing systems add to the technological edge. The advancedhelmet-mounted display in the JF-17 Block III allows pilots to designatetargets off-boresight, improving situational awareness in close-quartersengagements. Paired with high off-boresight missiles, this featureaccelerates response times, a critical advantage in dynamic scenarios.Indonesian officials have praised Pakistan’s aerospace advancements,including the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, viewing suchinnovations as models for self-reliance.
Pakistan Air Force’s operational expertise and training programmes form thefinal pillar. Discussions emphasised specialised training, capacitybuilding, and multi-domain operations knowledge sharing. The PAF’smodernisation drive, incorporating niche capabilities demonstrated inrecent conflicts, impresses partners. For Indonesia, access to PAF’sinstitutional experience in joint exercises and real-world employmentbolsters force readiness, particularly as Jakarta integrates diverseplatforms from multiple origins.
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This momentum in Pak-Indonesia relations extends beyond aviation. MinisterSjamsoeddin commended Pakistan’s self-reliance in aerospace and expressedinterest in broader joint ventures. The dialogue reflects shared commitmentto regional stability through enhanced military cooperation. Interest fromother nations, including Iraq’s praise for PAF professionalism and pursuitof JF-17s, underscores the aircraft’s growing global prestige post itscombat validation.
As negotiations progress, Indonesia’s strategy appears multifaceted:premium Rafale jets for high-threat missions alongside cost-effective,proven JF-17s for routine patrols and supplementary roles. This hybridapproach mitigates risks, optimises budgets, and aligns with Jakarta’sgeopolitical balancing act. The outcome could mark a significant chapter inSouth-South defence collaboration, potentially accelerating similarpartnerships elsewhere.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-indonesia-closing-jets-drones-defence-deal-sources-say-2026-01-12
Tags: Indonesia, Pakistan, JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan Air Force, Rafale
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