Asked When the J-10 Will Arrive? Here is the Air Force Chief's Answer

Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono has asked the public to be patient regarding the arrival of Chengdu J-10 fighter jets from China. “Just wait,” Tonny said with a smile to Republika at the TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday (5/10/2026).

According to information obtained by Republika, the fighter jets, nicknamed the Vigorous Dragon, are expected to arrive in Indonesia six months from now. However, the number of units arriving in Indonesia for the first time next year remains unknown.

At the same location, member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono supported the Ministry of Defence’s (Kemenhan) move to purchase J-10 fighter jets. He considered that purchasing 4.5-generation fighter jets from China could strengthen the defence of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

“We also look at global conditions and threats; we see that even in Southeast Asia there are still conflicts among ASEAN countries, so for us it is important to have capable combat equipment that can intercept those threats,” Dave said.

According to him, Commission I of the DPR also has no issue if the Indonesian government ultimately chooses defence equipment from China. For Dave, the quality of defence equipment from Western countries and China is now comparable. “No problem, no problem, as long as the supply chain, training, and supporting units are sufficient, no problem,” Dave said.