China Emerges as Potential Arms Supplier for Indonesia
Indonesia is exploring China as a potential major arms supplier to modernize its military, with high-level defense talks scheduled in Jakarta. Experts suggest that while Chinese hardware like the J-10 fighter jet is viable, Indonesia must carefully consider logistics, interoperability, and long-term support costs.
Why it matters
This shift reflects Indonesia's strategy to diversify its defense procurement and highlights China's growing influence in the global arms market.
August 21, 2026 | 8:00 am SHARE URL berhasil di salin. Indonesian navy personnel pull the mooring line of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy ship Kunlun Shan at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya on August 2, 2026, in response to an invitation from the Indonesian Navy. (AFP Photo/JUNI KRISWANTO) Jakarta. Indonesia is increasingly looking to China as a potential major arms supplier as Jakarta seeks to modernize its aging military hardware and diversify its sources of defense equipment. China accounted for 5.6% of global arms exports between 2021 and 2025 and has emerged as a major military power capable of independently producing advanced fighter jets and operating aircraft carriers.
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