Indonesia Sends Experts to France for Rafale Training

TheIndonesia.id - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), a state-owned aircraft manufacturer, has dispatched a team of technicians to France to study the Rafale fighter jets. This initiative aims to ensure a reliable workforce capable of maintaining the Rafale jets, which Indonesia has recently acquired.

According to Antara News Agency, Gita Amperiawan, the President Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, confirmed the deployment of the technicians on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. He highlighted that the collaboration with Rafale includes an offset agreement, which encompasses training programs for technicians and the development of computer-based training (CBT) to equip Indonesian operators with essential skills for handling the jets.

The offset arrangement is designed to build a strong pool of trained personnel in Indonesia for the operation and maintenance of the Rafale fighter jets. This collaboration reflects Indonesia's commitment to ensuring the readiness and sustainability of its air force capabilities.

In related news, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, recently announced that six Rafale jets would be integrated into the Air Force by 2026. The first three jets are expected to arrive in early 2026, with the remaining three to follow shortly after. To support the new aircraft, the Indonesian Air Force has been making significant preparations at the Roesmin Nurjadin Indonesian Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau. These preparations include the construction of smart buildings, flight simulators, hangars, and other essential infrastructure.

Additionally, the Air Force has begun selecting personnel for the Rafale pilot candidate education program, ensuring the pilots are well-prepared for operating the advanced fighter jets.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defense also confirmed the purchase of 42 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation of France, with the third phase of the contract for the final 18 units now in effect. This milestone allows Dassault to begin production of the last batch of Rafale jets for Indonesia.

These developments reflect Indonesia's ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its air defense capabilities.