Bogor, W Java, Jan. 27 -- In recent years, Indonesia has shown interest in acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft. On paper, such platforms promise a significant leap in airpower through stealth, advanced sensors, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability.

However, despite their appeal, fifth-generation fighters do not currently address the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI AU) most pressing operational needs. Rather than prematurely pursuing these highly complex systems, Indonesia would be better served by prioritizing mature 4.5-generation fighters and developing robust network-centric warfare (NCW) capabilities.

Indonesia's aspiration to operate fifth-generation fighters is not new. In 2020, Jakarta requested the purchase of F-3...