Indonesian Air Force Receives Frist Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet
The Indonesian Air Force has taken delivery of its first Dassault Rafale fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in the country’s modernization of its defense capabilities. Personnel from the Indonesian Air Force are currently undergoing training at Dassault’s facility, preparing for flight operations with the advanced aircraft.
The first Rafale, tail number T-0301, bears the markings of the 12th air Squadron, 6th Air Wing. Ground personnel, led by Lt. Col. Pnb Binggi Nobel,Head of the Operations Division of Supadio Air force Base,are receiving instruction in “vector,avionics and armaments.” simultaneously,pilots are “deepen[ing] their knowledge of Rafale systems and operating procedures” before progressing too simulator and flight training. The aviators aim to fully “master mission simulations and flight exercises.”
The delivery follows a “preliminary defense pact” signed in May 28 between Indonesian President Prabowo subianto and French President emmanuel Macron, formalized thru a Letter of Intent.This pact possibly includes “new orders of military equipment from Paris, including Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines,” according to Macron.
“I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new viewpoint with new orders for Rafales, scorpenes, light frigates,” Macron stated at a joint press conference. subianto affirmed France as a key partner in Indonesia‘s military hardware upgrades, emphasizing the advancement of the defense industry through joint production and technology transfers.
indonesia has existing defense contracts with France, including two Scorpene submarines with Naval Group (contracted in 2024) and 13 long-range surveillance radars from thales (contracted in 2023).