Indonesia to be Honored Guest at Bastille Day Parade, Defense Deals Expected
President Prabowo Subianto is set to participate in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris on Monday morning as the distinguished guest of honor. This significant occasion will also feature the finalization of several defense agreements,building upon discussions held in jakarta during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in May.
Reports from the French newspaper *le Tribune* on July 4 indicate that Indonesia may finalize a contract for 24 Dassault Rafale jet fighters, an increase from the 12 previously mentioned.Additionally, agreements for two Scorpene submarines, manufactured by Naval Group, and 36 Caesar self-propelled guns from KNDS France are anticipated to be signed or come into effect.
The Indonesian Military’s (TNI) Patriot II Task Force, accompanied by a joint cadet drum band, will lead the annual parade, a testament to Indonesia’s role as the guest of honor for France’s National Day celebration. The parade is scheduled to commence at 9:55 a.m.local time, which is 2:55 p.m. in Jakarta, along the Champs-Élysées Avenue, and is expected to last approximately two hours.
The patriot II Task Force comprises 262 ceremonial troops representing the TNI’s three branches, alongside 189 cadets from the TNI Academy, including its military, navy, and air force academies.Cadets from the Police Academy will also be part of the drum band contingent.
The Indonesian contingent, led by Brig. Gen. Ferry irawan, arrived in Paris on two separate flights on July 6 and 7. The troops are currently accommodated at military barracks in Satory, located south of Versailles, approximately 17 kilometers from the center of Paris.
