Indonesia has received its first batch of Rafale fighter jets from France, marking a major milestone in the country’s military modernisation programme. Defence officials confirmed that three advanced aircraft have been delivered and are now ready for operational use by the Indonesian Air Force.
The jets arrived on Friday and have been stationed at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, located on Sumatra island. Officials said the aircraft are fully functional and will soon be integrated into active service, strengthening Indonesia’s air defence capabilitie.
The delivery is part of a broader defence agreement between Indonesia and France. Under the deal, Indonesia plans to acquire up to 42 Rafale fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation. The agreement, valued at approximately $8 billion, was signed in 2022 and later expanded to include French-built submarines and naval frigates.
Additional Rafale aircraft are expected to arrive later this year, although authorities have not shared specific delivery timelines. The deal reflects Indonesia’s growing defence spending as it seeks to replace ageing military hardware and enhance national security.
France has become Indonesia’s leading defence partner in Southeast Asia. The Rafale purchase highlights deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries under President Prabowo Subianto, who has prioritised strengthening the armed forces.
Indonesia is also exploring other fighter jet options to diversify its air fleet. These include China’s J-10 aircraft and the US-made F-15EX. In addition, the country has signed a separate agreement with Turkey to acquire 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets for future deployment.
