As part of an international tour of Southeast Asia by French President Emmanuel Macron, Paris and Jakarta signaled a renewed rapprochement that could lead to a new agreement for the purchase of an additional batch of Rafale F4 fighters to equip the Indonesian Air Force. According to a statement made by the French president on Wednesday, the two countries signed a preliminary defense agreement that includes the sale of various French military equipment, which, in addition to the aforementioned fighter jets, also includes Scorpène-class attack submarines and frigates provided by French companies and shipyards.
As the second leg of his tour in Southeast Asia, the French president arrived in Indonesia a few days ago on a visit aimed at promoting a new cooperation agenda across various areas. During the visit, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that France is a vital partner in the modernization process of the country’s Armed Forces and in the development of a local defense industry, through joint production and technology transfer.
On the matter, the French president stated: “I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpenes, light frigates,” While information remains limited, several media outlets report that the potential batch could consist of 12 units.
It is important to recall that in 2022, Indonesia signed a contract to purchase a total of 42 Rafale fighters in the F4 variant—30 of which are single-seat versions and the remaining 12 twin-seat. By January 2024, the acquisition of the final batch of 18 aircraft was completed, thus fulfilling the third installment of agreed payments. Various weapons systems purchases were also finalized to complete the aircraft’s weapons package, such as the 2023 agreement for Safran AASM Hammer munitions.
In parallel, officials from the Indonesian Air Force and the country’s Ministry of Defense outlined several details regarding the integration process of the Rafales, which includes the training of future pilots in France with support from the French Air and Space Force. This training phase was scheduled to begin in mid-2025, according to statements made this past January.
In the words of the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force: “…in the first phase, a group of pilots will be sent in July 2025 to participate in instructor qualification training with the French Air Force.”
Finally, and despite all these developments, as of today, Indonesia has yet to receive any of the fighter jets. However, the state news agency Antara reported that Indonesian Air Force Chief Mohamad Tonny Harjono stated this past February that the first six units are expected to arrive in 2026.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes: French Air and Space Force.
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