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RAWALPINDI – July 16, 2025: Indonesia’s Defence Minister, LieutenantGeneral (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, led a high-profile delegation toPakistan’s General Headquarters on Tuesday, holding important discussionswith Pakistan Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The visit focusedon enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, regional security, andmilitary-to-military relations between the two countries.
According to the Pakistan military’s media wing, the meeting reaffirmed thelong-standing strategic partnership between Jakarta and Islamabad. FieldMarshal Asim Munir emphasized the importance of expanding defencecollaboration for the sake of regional peace and stability, while theIndonesian delegation expressed admiration for Pakistan’s counter-terrorismsuccesses.
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Indonesia’s Growing Interest in JF-17 Thunder
Defence observers believe Indonesia is evaluating Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunderfighter jet for its next-generation air fleet. Sources familiar with thematter suggest Jakarta is exploring options to diversify its defenceprocurements, with the JF-17 offering a cost-effective and capable solution.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Group, is rapidly becoming a popular fighterjet among developing nations. With advanced features like AESA radar,beyond-visual-range missiles, and modern avionics, the latest JF-17 BlockIII variant is considered a 4.5-generation multirole platform at a fractionof the cost of Western alternatives.
“Indonesia and Pakistan already have an MoU signed in 2018 for defenceindustry cooperation, which includes technology transfer and potentialco-production of defence hardware like the JF-17,” a defence official saidon condition of anonymity.
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Why the JF-17 Could Appeal to Indonesia
Indonesia is actively modernising its military, balancing its procurementstrategy between Western and non-Western sources. With ongoing investmentsin Turkey’s KAAN 5th-generation project and previous engagements with SouthKorea’s KF-21 program, Jakarta is reportedly seeking a reliable, affordablefighter jet to complement its future fleet.
Potential Factors Favoring the JF-17:
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Affordability: Estimated at $25 million per unit, the JF-17 is significantly cheaper than Western or 5th-gen fighters. –
Export Success: Pakistan has already sold JF-17s to Nigeria, Myanmar, Iraq, and Azerbaijan. –
Local Production Options: Pakistan has expressed willingness to partner on joint manufacturing. –
Balanced Capabilities: Modern radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and long-range missiles.
Indonesia is expected to evaluate the feasibility of integrating the JF-17into its existing defence structure while maintaining ongoing commitmentswith other suppliers.
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Regional Defence Dynamics
The potential sale of JF-17s to Indonesia would further boost Pakistan’sgrowing defence export market, especially after its recent landmark dealwith Azerbaijan. For Indonesia, it offers an opportunity to enhanceairpower without overextending its defence budget.
“If Jakarta opts for the JF-17, it could be a game-changer for bilateralties, expanding cooperation beyond traditional military exchanges intoco-production and joint technological development,” commented a regionaldefence analys