Indonesia to Receive Six Rafale Fighter Jets by 2026

TheIndonesia.id - Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, announced on Monday that Indonesia will receive six Rafale fighter jets from France by 2026, according to Antara News Agency.

The first three jets are expected to arrive between February and March 2024, with the remaining three arriving three months later.

Preparations for the arrival are underway at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, where simulators, smart hangars, and improved facilities are being set up. The Air Force has also selected personnel for the Rafale pilot education programme.

"The selection is based on various aspects, including their positions with our current aircraft,"  stated Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets made by Dassault Aviation France after the third phase purchase contract for the last 18 units became effective.

Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, the head of the ministry's public relations bureau at the time, stated that the effective contract was the basis for Dassault Aviation to begin producing the last 18 units of Rafale fighter jets ordered by Indonesia.

"The Defense Ministry previously made the first phase procurement contract with Dassault Aviation effective in September 2022 for six units, and in August 2023 for 18 units. In total, the procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft for Indonesia amounts to 42 units," stated Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha.

In addition to the Rafale fighter jets, the Air Force will also acquire Airbus A400M aircraft.

These aircraft will enhance the Air Force's capabilities to carry out missions involving the transport of logistics, personnel, and defense equipment.

This acquisition is part of a broader deal to purchase 42 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, with the first phase of procurement starting in 2022. In addition to the Rafales, the Air Force will also receive Airbus A400M aircraft to bolster its logistics and defense capabilities.