Cost and funding: The Indonesian Finance Minister confirmed that the budget for the purchase had been approved and exceeded $9 billion.

Delivery timeline: Sources close to the Indonesian Air Force indicate that the first deliveries of the J-10s could take place in 2026.

Pilot training: The contract reportedly includes provisions for pilots from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) to train their Indonesian counterparts.

Fleet diversification: The new Chinese jets will fly alongside other foreign-made aircraft that Indonesia has recently purchased. This includes 42 French Rafale jets, with the first deliveries expected in early 2026, and a tentative deal for 48 Turkish-made KAAN fighter jets. 

Affordability: Indonesia's air force is working to replace its aging and fragmented fleet of aircraft. The J-10C, a medium-weight, multirole fighter, offers a cost-effective alternative to Western platforms.

Geopolitical considerations: Indonesia has traditionally followed a "free and active" foreign policy that balances its relationships with major powers. The acquisition of Chinese jets is a diplomatic balancing act that aims to maintain independence and leverage amid intensified U.S.-China rivalry.

Proven performance: The J-10C's real-world combat experience, including its reported use by Pakistan in skirmishes with Indian jets in 2025, is seen as a strong selling point. 

Shifting dynamics in Southeast Asia: As the first ASEAN nation to purchase a Chinese fourth-generation fighter, Indonesia's decision could set a precedent for other countries in the region. This might be viewed with apprehension by neighbors like Vietnam and the Philippines, which have concerns about China's regional ambitions.

Strategic autonomy: By diversifying its military suppliers, Indonesia is signaling its intent to define its defense posture on its own terms, rather than being dictated by external political pressures.

Western response: The purchase could concern Western nations, including the U.S. and Australia, which view Indonesia as a critical partner for regional stability. It could also potentially trigger sanctions from the U.S. under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).