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India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan, China propaganda fails as this neighbouring country of India is set to deploy biggest Rafale fighter jet fleet; deal is.., it is...
Though China has been making strides in the technological sector, it has always been nervous about India's Rafale jets. In May this year, during a military confrontation with Pakistan, India's Rafales demonstrated superiority over the weapons the Pakistani army used, which were made in China. Despite the presence of Chinese-made air defense systems, the Indian Air Force operated in Pakistani airspace and struck important military targets. Now, with India preparing to field the largest Rafale fleet in the region next to China, China's concerns are only going to increase. Indonesia is poised to formally finalize an expanded defense deal with France, which will see it acquire 24 more Rafale multirole fighter jets. This is expected to change the strategic power balance in Southeast Asia over the next decade. The significance of this deal is further bolstered by the fact that, despite extensive propaganda by China and Pakistan against the Rafale, Indonesia has placed its confidence in the jet, underscoring the aircraft's importance in reference to defense planning in the region. According to defense sources quoted by the French media outlet La Tribune, 'Indonesia is no longer seeking a dozen Rafales, but rather 24 fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation.' Furthermore, it added that the contract might be signed during the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Paris. It is reported that the Indonesian President will be France's guest of honor on July 14, on the Bastille Day celebrations. As per Eurasian Times, several other key defence contracts are likely to be signed during the Paris visit. This includes a deal for two Scorpène submarines, up to 36 Caesar self-propelled guns, and light frigates. Indonesia is an important defense partner for France in Southeast Asia. Historically dependent on Russian military equipment, Jakarta has been seeking to diversify its defense suppliers and, in this process, is increasingly looking to France. The defense relationship between Indonesia and France formally began in 2022 when Indonesia signed a contract worth US$8.1 billion to purchase 42 Rafale jets. Subsequently, Jakarta announced plans to buy 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France's Thales in 2023, then purchase two 'Scorpene' submarines from the French state shipbuilder Naval Group in 2024. This was also the start of a new chapter in Indonesia's defense procurement, showing a clear preference for French equipment. Indonesia has not yet received its first Rafale fighter aircraft. Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, said in February that the six aircraft would arrive in Indonesia during the first half of 2026. The contract will be delivered in three phases of acquisition of 6, 18, and 18. If the purchase of 24 more Rafales is completed, Indonesia would become the first foreign customer for the French-made fighter since the May India-Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan claimed to shoot down five Indian jets with its Chinese-made J-10CE and JF-17 fighters specifically three Rafales. To add nuance to the story, it is also worth noting that while the Indian Air Force (IAF) also acknowledged combat losses to Pakistan in the brief four-day war, it has, however, not published the number of aircraft lost or any information regarding the type of aircraft lost.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KAAN fighter jet: Pakistan's ally Turkey gets ₹85,000 crore boost with Indonesia's order for fifth-generation plane
In a boost to Pakistan's ally Turkey, Indonesia has signed a major defence deal with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for 48 fifth-generation fighter jets . The agreement, estimated at $10 billion (Rs 85,000 crore), puts Turkey alongside China as countries friendly to Pakistan that now export fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The deal was signed on Wednesday on the sidelines of Indonesia's Defence Expo and Forum, and announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Indonesia confirms delivery by 2026 Indonesia had earlier signed an $8.1 billion agreement with France's Dassault Aviation in 2022 for 42 Rafale fighter jets. But with the latest development, attention has shifted toward Turkey's KAAN programme. 'The first 6 jets are scheduled to be delivered in 2026,' said Indonesian Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, speaking to Indonesian state news agency Antara. Turkish President Erdoğan wrote on X, "Under the agreement signed with our friendly and brotherly nation, Indonesia, 48 Kaan jets will be produced in Türkiye and exported to Indonesia.' He added that Indonesia will also participate in the production of the aircraft. While the value of the deal was not disclosed officially, Turkish media reported it to be worth nearly $10 billion. Deliveries will take place over the next 10 years, according to Turkey's Anadolu Agency. KAAN aims to compete with top global jets The KAAN fighter jet is intended to replace Turkey's F-16 fleet and is designed to compete with advanced fighters such as the US F-35 and Russia's Su-57. According to the Turkish Aerospace Industries website, KAAN is a twin-engine, 34-tonne multi-role aircraft with a top speed of 1.8 Mach and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet. It features supercruise capability, high maneuverability, low observability, and internal weapon bays. Live Events The aircraft is relatively new and remains untested in battle, similar to China's FC-31 & J-35. This contrasts with the combat-tested US F-22, F-35, and Russia's Su-57. China has also reportedly offered J35 fighter jet to Pakistan. Pakistan may be interested in KAAN There are reports that Pakistan is also interested in acquiring the KAAN fighter jet. Turkey has repeatedly described Pakistan as a 'brother' and has supported its position on Kashmir at multiple international forums. During the recent India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor, Turkey was reported to have supported Pakistan militarily. Although these reports were officially denied, Pakistan is believed to have used Turkish-origin Bayraktar TB2 and YIHA drones during the conflict, launching 350–400 drones in total. Indian forces successfully intercepted most of them using Hard Kill and Soft Kill methods. India later found the wreckage of Turkish Asisguard Songar drones. In response, the Indian government cancelled the operating license of Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services on national security grounds, and several Indian institutions and businesses cut ties with Turkish entities. Did China's propaganda hit Rafale The deal with Turkey also appears to have ended speculation around Indonesia placing additional orders for French Rafales. During French President Emmanuel Macron 's visit to Indonesia, both countries signed a letter of intent for cooperation on defence platforms including Rafale jets, Scorpene submarines, and light frigates. According to Dassault Aviation's official website, there is already a backlog of 220 Rafales as of December 31, 2024. With the KAAN order now confirmed, Indonesia's focus appears to be shifting towards a new defence partnership with Turkey. The development marks a strategic shift, with both China and Turkey—two of Pakistan's closest partners—now equipped or developing fifth-generation fighter jets, while Indonesia aligns more closely with this axis.
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First Post
06-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Indonesia gets J-10 deal offer from China: Is it a budget buy or Beijing's strategic trap?
If Indonesia chooses the J-10, the real question is what it's truly buying into. The real cost of the J-10 may not lie in the transaction, but in the trap that follows. read more AVIC Chengdu Aircraft makes J-10C fighter jets as well as the JF-17 Thunder planes – which are considered the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force since the US stopped supplying Pakistan with F-16s. Image courtesy Valka As Indonesia reportedly considers a deal to buy China's J-10 fighter jets, some analysts wonder if this indeed a wise choice for Jakarta. The J-10 is based on copied and borrowed designs and while China promotes it as a low-cost all-purpose fighter aircraft, there are problems behind the scenes. These include weaker performance, older systems and possible hidden political intentions—making it seem like Indonesia might be stepping into a carefully planned trap. Indonesia is reportedly motivated for this deal based on unconfirmed reports, strongly refuted by India, that Pakistan used one of its J-10 fighter jets to shoot down an Indian Air Force Rafale jet during Operation Sindoor last month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a report on May 28 in The National Interest, Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono acknowledged that the possibility of purchasing J-10C fighter jets from China is under consideration. However, he emphasised that acquiring such major defence equipment involves a complex decision-making process. The purchase must go through several stages and be reviewed by the Defence Equipment Determination Council. During this process, the government will evaluate various factors, including how well the equipment fits national defence needs and its potential impact on Indonesia's political relations with other countries. Origins of the J-10: A legacy of reverse engineering According to a 2021 article by Charlie Gao in The National Interest, the story of the J-10 shows how China has often used copying and adapting to develop its defence technology. The J-10 was first planned in the 1990s as China's response to advanced American and Russian jets like the F-16 and MiG-29. But the design wasn't completely original—it was based on Israel's Lavi fighter, a project that was cancelled in 1987 after pressure from US and China is believed to have gotten the Lavi's blueprints from Israel to help speed up their own development. This approach can be seen in the J-10's design. The air intake below the cockpit looks like that of the F-16, and the jet's wing style is similar to the Mirage 2000. But even though it looks similar to these jets, the J-10 is considered to have a less advanced aerodynamic design. It also relies on parts from other countries, especially the Russian-made AL-31 engine, which was originally built for the larger Su-27 fighter. J-10's technical shortcomings and incremental upgrades The National Interest reported that the development of the J-10 has been riddled with constant redesigns and slow upgrades. The initial J-10A variant, which entered Chinese service in 2003, was quickly outdated and suffered from technological limitations in radar and avionics. It was succeeded by the J-10B and later J-10C, each introducing refinements such as phased array radars and improved engines. Despite these upgrades, the airframe's core limitations persist particularly in terms of its aerodynamic maturity and engine reliability. The latest model, the J-10C, boasts an AESA radar and PL-15 long-range missiles, positioning it nominally as a 4.5 generation fighter. Yet much of its appeal lies in its affordability rather than capability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For instance, the combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometres and payload capacity of up to 8 tonnes are respectable, but do not outmatch Western equivalents or even some Russian alternatives. Furthermore, China has not fully transitioned its own fleet to the newer models, with the majority of deployed aircraft still being J-10As, reflecting internal hesitation regarding the aircraft's viability. Why Indonesia's purchase is concerning Indonesia's interest in the J-10 appears driven primarily by cost and availability. Deputy Minister of Defence Donny Ermawan Taufanto reportedly emphasised the aircraft's affordability and baseline technical compliance. But such a rationale may be dangerously shortsighted. Affordability in defence acquisitions often comes at a hidden cost. Integrating Chinese aircraft into Indonesia's diverse fleet—which includes US and Russian-made platforms—poses significant logistical and interoperability challenges. Furthermore, the opaque nature of Chinese military technology and the potential for cyber vulnerabilities in avionics could present long-term security risks. China's willingness to sell J-10s is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to deepen its military and economic ties in Southeast Asia. The offer comes amid increased defence cooperation between the two nations, including joint drills and high-level military exchanges. Yet, buying into Chinese platforms could also mean buying into Chinese dependency. Once the J-10s are integrated, Indonesia could find itself reliant on Beijing for upgrades, parts and training—limiting its strategic autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Propaganda and questionable combat claims One of the primary claims used to justify the J-10's efficacy is its alleged role in the imaginary downing of an Indian Rafale jet during Operation Sindoor. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired a documentary celebrating the J-10C's supposed combat achievements, stating the aircraft had 'achieved combat results for the first time … hitting multiple jets and not suffering any losses', the South China Morning Post claimed. These reports, however, are unsubstantiated and lack independent verification. India, for its part, has categorically denied the loss of any Rafale fighters in the conflict. In the absence of verifiable proof, these assertions appear to be more about domestic propaganda than battlefield reality—part of a campaign to boost confidence in Chinese military exports and shore up global influence. India's Rafales vs China's J-10s: A stark capability divide Comparing the Rafale to the J-10 highlights the technological and operational disparity between the two aircraft. The Rafale, produced by Dassault Aviation, is a true 4.5 generation multi-role fighter with twin engines, superior range and unmatched avionics. It boasts active and passive electronic warfare systems, highly advanced AESA radar and a wide range of precision-guided munitions. India's acquisition of Rafales has significantly enhanced its deterrent capability in the region. In contrast, the J-10, while equipped with surface-level improvements in its C variant, lacks the operational pedigree and real-world performance history of the Rafale. The aircraft's dependency on the AL-31 engine also makes it vulnerable to foreign supply constraints—a vulnerability that the Rafale's wholly indigenous development avoids. Strategic trap: Dependency and influence China's defence export strategy is increasingly aimed at selling its weapons as 'affordable alternatives' to Western systems. However, these exports come with strings attached. For recipient nations like Indonesia, entering the Chinese military ecosystem could mean sacrificing independence in defence planning and opening up to Chinese influence in critical areas of military doctrine and procurement. Moreover, there is an inherent asymmetry in the seller-buyer relationship when it comes to maintenance, software updates and upgrades. Indonesia may find itself beholden to Chinese suppliers, particularly in the event of geopolitical tension. These vulnerabilities can have long-term strategic consequences, making what appears to be an affordable choice today a costly liability tomorrow. A question of strategic prudence Indonesia's inclination to purchase the Chinese J-10 represents more than a defence acquisition. It signals a potential shift in regional alignment. At a time when great power competition is intensifying in the Indo-Pacific, countries must choose their defence partners carefully—not only based on price and immediate availability but also on long-term implications for sovereignty, reliability and capability. China's J-10 may offer Indonesia a quick fix, but it is a flawed platform born of outdated design philosophies and geopolitical expediency. In contrast, India's unwavering stance on retaining top-tier fighters like the Rafale and its refusal to acknowledge any fabricated combat losses, highlights a clear commitment to quality, credibility and strategic autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Indonesia follows through with this deal, it may risk compromising its defence integrity and becoming another node in China's growing web of influence. The real cost of the J-10 may not lie in the transaction—but in the trap that follows.
