France Extends This Rare Advantage to Indonesia via Rafale Jets, Analysts Say
Defence analysts and observers from the Strategic Defence Studies Institute (Keris), Hanif Rahadian, say that the arrival of Rafale combat aircraft in the Indonesian Armed Forces’ main weapon system (alutsista) lineup is strong evidence of a strategic relationship between Indonesia and France.
‘Arms deals like this can only happen between two countries that are harmonious and have long cooperated,’ Hanif said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to Hanif, Indonesia-France relations have grown significantly, especially since President Prabowo Subianto became Defence Minister. The diplomatic closeness is seen as providing several strategic advantages for Indonesia in procuring the Dassault Aviation-produced fighter jets.
One particularly noteworthy advantage is the possibility of technology transfer and the involvement of the domestic defence industry (Inhan) in developing Rafale. Not all buyer countries obtain such an opportunity. India, for instance, as one of Rafale’s largest buyers who is very enthusiastic about the fighter jet, was reported not to receive full access to source code or other sensitive Rafale technologies.
This technology transfer opportunity opens a wide space for Indonesia to strengthen the capabilities of the national defence industry, including in supporting spare parts needs, maintenance, and the development of systems that support the fighter aircraft.
‘In addition, France demonstrates a commitment to supporting Indonesia’s defence capability enhancement, from meeting TNI operational needs, to developing human resources, and to providing technology and defence infrastructure support,’ Hanif said.
He noted that France’s stance differs from several other countries that usually restrict buyers from developing or expanding the use of the technology from the armed systems they purchase.
With this opportunity, Hanif is convinced Indonesia has a large chance to learn about advances in French defence industry technology while also strengthening the autonomy of the national defence sector.
‘This opportunity opens up access for Indonesia to more advanced defence technology and to strengthen the autonomy of the domestic defence industry,’ he said.
Earlier, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) had just received six Rafale units along with their sets of missiles. The handover was made symbolically by President Prabowo Subianto to the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces (Panglima TNI) General TNI Agus Subiyanto, and then passed on to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU) Marsekal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, East Jakarta, Monday (18/5).
The six aircraft will be stationed at Flight Squadron 12 of Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, Riau. Meanwhile, Indonesia is still awaiting the arrival of 36 more Rafale units, which are currently in production at Dassault Aviation facilities in France.