Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Indonesia Receives First Rafale Jets from France
Indonesia has received its first three Rafale fighter jets from France.
These advanced aircraft are part of a big deal worth $8 billion that Indonesia made with France in 2022.
The jets arrived at an air base in Sumatra and are ready for use by the Indonesian Air Force.
Indonesia plans to buy up to 42 Rafale jets in total.
This is a big step for Indonesia to improve its military with newer and better equipment.
The country is also looking at other fighter jets from China, the U.S., and Turkey to strengthen its defence forces.
Indonesia received three Rafale fighter jets from France as part of an $8 billion deal.
The jets arrived on Friday and are stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra.
Indonesia plans to order up to 42 Rafale jets in total, along with French frigates and submarines.
The country is also considering other fighter jet options, including China’s J-10, U.S. F-15EX, and Turkey’s KAAN.
Three more Rafale jets are expected to arrive later this year.
- Who
- Indonesia, France, Dassault Aviation
- What
- Delivery of Rafale fighter jets
- When
- January 26, 2024 (arrived on Friday)
- Where
- Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Pekanbaru, Sumatra, Indonesia
- Why
- To upgrade Indonesia's ageing military hardware and enhance defence capabilities
- Number of Rafale jets received
- 3
- Total Rafale jets ordered
- 42
- Cost of the deal
- $8 billion
- Air Base Location
- Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Pekanbaru, Sumatra
- Additional jets expected
- 3 more later this year
- Other fighter jet options considered
- China’s J-10, U.S. F-15EX, Turkey’s KAAN
- Defence Ministry Spokesperson
- Rico Ricardo Sirait