Core Viewpoint - Belgium is facing public controversy over its procurement of 34 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, originally contracted in 2018 for a total price of €5.6 billion, with only 4 delivered so far and 1 delayed due to technical issues [1][3] Group 1: Procurement and Delivery Issues - The F-35 procurement contract was signed in 2018 for a total of €5.6 billion for 34 aircraft, with only 4 delivered to date and 1 delayed due to technical problems [1] - The high maintenance costs and operational challenges of the F-35 are raising concerns among Belgian officials and the public [3] Group 2: Training and Operational Challenges - Belgian Defense Minister Franke stated that the country's airspace is insufficient for conducting fighter jet training, necessitating collaboration with neighboring countries for airspace usage [3] - Belgian Air Force officials confirmed that the current airspace is too narrow for certain F-16 missions, indicating a need for continued complex exercises abroad [3] Group 3: Cost and Performance Comparisons - The operational cost of the F-35 is approximately €50,000 per flight hour, making it the most expensive operational fighter jet, with noise levels significantly higher than the F-16 [3] - French media have highlighted the advantages of the French "Rafale" fighter jet, claiming it has outperformed the F-35 in NATO simulated air combat last year and has lower operational costs [3]

Core Viewpoint - Indonesia's defense ministry has signaled a clear intention to procure Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, reflecting a strategic decision by the national leadership [1] Group 1: Strategic Decision - The procurement plan for J-10C is part of a long-term defense strategy initiated by former Defense Minister and current President Prabowo Subianto, and is being continued by the new Defense Minister Prabowo Jamsoedin [1] - The plan aims to modernize Indonesia's military and align with the national strategic framework known as the Nusantara Trident Shield [1] Group 2: Current Air Force Situation - Indonesia's air force faces significant challenges, including an aging fleet with many F-16s being decades old and a lack of operational readiness due to parts shortages for Russian Su-27/30 aircraft [1] - The air force is tasked with protecting critical international waterways and maintaining military presence in various regions, which increases the urgency for modern aircraft [1] Group 3: Procurement Challenges - Indonesia previously signed an $8.1 billion contract for 42 French Rafale jets, but issues such as long delivery times and high operational costs have raised concerns [1] - The Rafale jets are expected to take until 2030 to achieve full operational capability, which does not address immediate needs [1] Group 4: Advantages of J-10C - The J-10C offers rapid delivery within 2-3 years, filling the capability gap effectively [6] - It has a competitive price, costing only one-third of the Rafale, with lower maintenance costs [6] - The aircraft features advanced technology, including an active electronically scanned array radar and PL-15 long-range missiles, providing a significant advantage in the Southeast Asian airspace [7] - China offers a complete supply chain and after-sales support, mitigating issues related to parts shortages seen with Russian equipment [7] Group 5: Conclusion on J-10C - Despite existing contracts for other aircraft, the J-10C remains the most viable option for Indonesia, balancing the need for advanced capabilities with immediate operational requirements [9] - The J-10C is viewed as an economically viable and reliable solution for Indonesia's defense needs [9]