Indonesia and Pakistan are moving closer to a defence agreement that would see Jakarta acquire JF-17 fighter jets and armed drones, according to Reuters, in a deal that underscores Indonesia’s widening defence partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers.
Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met Pakistan Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad to discuss a package reportedly involving combat aircraft and unmanned systems. Three security officials familiar with the talks told Reuters the discussions are at an advanced stage, with one source indicating the potential sale of more than 40 JF-17 jets, a multi-role fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Indonesia has also expressed interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar surveillance and strike drones.
While neither side disclosed details on delivery schedules or contract duration, both confirmed the meeting, signalling a level of seriousness that suggests negotiations have moved beyond exploratory talks.
The JF-17 has increasingly been marketed as a cost-effective alternative to Western fourth-generation fighters, benefiting from incremental upgrades to its radar, weapons integration, and communications systems. Chinese defence analysts have framed the aircraft’s growing foreign interest as evidence of its operational credibility, particularly following its deployment during the May 2025 air clashes between Pakistan and India.
Indonesia’s interest in the JF-17 is not occurring in isolation. In October 2025, Jakarta signalled potential plans to procure China’s J-10 fighter jets, pointing to a broader reassessment of its defence procurement strategy. At the time, China’s Defence Ministry said Beijing would approach any arms exports with caution, emphasising stability and regional security.
Taken together, the talks reflect a gradual shift in Southeast Asia’s defence landscape, where cost, political flexibility, and strategic autonomy are increasingly shaping arms procurement decisions, even as questions remain over interoperability, long-term support, and geopolitical alignment.