The Indonesian Military (TNI) has left the decision to purchase Chengdu J-10 fighter jets from China entirely to the Ministry of Defense, reaffirming that the acquisition of such defense systems remains under the ministry’s jurisdiction.

“The acquisition of Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft is part of defense policy, which falls under the authority and responsibility of the Ministry of Defense,” TNI spokesman Major General Freddy Ardianzah said in Jakarta on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Freddy emphasized that the TNI’s role is limited to operating and maintaining defense equipment once it has been officially procured. “We act as operators of the weapon systems already decided upon by the Defense Ministry. Our task is to prepare the necessary infrastructure, maintenance facilities, technical personnel, and crew training,” he said.

He added that such preparations would only proceed once the Defense Ministry confirms the acquisition of new defense platforms, including the J-10 jets.

“Everything remains subject to the ministry’s decision and direction,” Freddy said.

Earlier, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin hinted that the Chinese-made fighter jets would soon make their debut in Indonesia. “They will soon fly in Jakarta,” he told reporters on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, without disclosing the exact timeline or further details about the program.

The Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, known by their NATO reporting name “Firebird,” have been under assessment by the Indonesian Air Force as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s air defense capabilities.

Defense ministry spokesman Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang has earlier confirmed that the evaluation process remains ongoing. “The J-10 is still being assessed by the Air Force. We are looking for the best possible platform for Indonesia’s defense system,” Frega said on September 18, 2025.

He also clarified that the ministry has yet to determine the funding required for the procurement. “The budget allocation for the J-10 has not been discussed,” he noted.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa also stated that he had not been briefed on whether the upcoming defense budget would specifically include the J-10 purchase. The Finance Ministry recently approved a US$9 billion defense budget proposal submitted by Minister Sjafrie for next year.

“For next year, the request has been approved. But I’m not sure if it includes the J-10 fighter jets,” Purbaya said in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 as quoted by Antara.

He added that his office would reexamine the proposal to verify the timing and scope of the potential jet import. “I’m not sure whether this is part of an existing plan or a new one. We’ll double-check whether the import is scheduled for next year or later. But so far, everything the Defense Ministry requested has been approved,” he said.