Pakistan Demonstrates to Indonesia the Benefits of Sourcing Defence Equipment From China
Pakistan’s long standing defence partnership with China is increasingly seen as an example for countries such as Indonesia, which is now deepening its own military procurement ties with Beijing. Analysts say Jakarta’s renewed interest in Chinese weaponry reflects a combination of affordability, improving technological quality, and the freedom to purchase equipment without facing political pressure from the United States.
For decades, Pakistan has maintained one of the closest defence relationships with China, acquiring a wide range of military equipment including fighter jets, naval vessels, drones, and missile systems. This partnership has allowed Islamabad to modernise its armed forces at a pace that would have been financially difficult with Western suppliers. The experience, observers say, offers a useful lesson for Indonesia as it evaluates its strategic needs in an increasingly contested Indo Pacific environment.
Indonesia’s latest procurement decisions suggest a deliberate move to diversify its sources of military hardware. In recent years, Jakarta has explored options from a variety of suppliers, but Chinese systems have become more attractive due to their competitive pricing and rapid delivery times. Defence officials in Southeast Asia have frequently noted that Chinese platforms have improved significantly in terms of performance, reliability, and integration capabilities.
Affordability remains one of the strongest motivators. Chinese arms generally cost far less than comparable Western models, allowing Indonesia to expand its defence capabilities without overburdening the national budget. Pakistan’s experience with the JF seventeen fighter programme and a series of naval acquisitions has demonstrated how Chinese partnerships can offer advanced systems at sustainable prices.
Another factor influencing Jakarta’s shift is the relative absence of political conditions. The United States often attaches diplomatic or human rights related requirements to large military sales. While allies benefit from access to top tier American technology, the accompanying political oversight can complicate procurement decisions for countries that prefer strategic autonomy. Chinese sales typically do not come with such restrictions, giving Indonesia more flexibility in shaping its defence posture.
Indonesia’s geographic location makes it one of the most strategically important nations in the Indo Pacific. As regional competition intensifies, the country has sought to increase maritime security, improve air defence, and strengthen its deterrence posture. Chinese equipment, supported by the scale and experience gained in Pakistan, is increasingly seen as a practical option for achieving these goals.
Defence analysts caution, however, that closer military ties with China may complicate Indonesia’s broader foreign policy balancing act. Jakarta has long pursued a neutral and independent stance, avoiding alignment with major powers. Increased reliance on Chinese systems could raise concerns in Washington and among regional partners wary of China’s expanding influence.
Even so, Indonesia appears committed to exploring the full range of options available to modernise its armed forces. As it does so, Pakistan’s model of steady, long term defence cooperation with China has become a reference point for how developing nations can expand military capabilities while maintaining financial and political flexibility.
With global defence supply chains shifting and geopolitical competition intensifying, Indonesia’s choices in the coming years will shape both its own security and the broader strategic landscape of Southeast Asia.
