Indonesian Air Force Prepares Rafale Infrastructure at 12th Air Squadron

The Commander of the 12th Air Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Pnb Binggi “Rayden” Nobel, has revealed that Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base is currently preparing the necessary infrastructure for the operation of Rafale fighter jets. The 12th Air Squadron, nicknamed the ‘Black Panther’, is based at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base and will serve as one of the units operating the Rafale aircraft.

“For the initial operation, preparations have been made through existing contracts, utilising current infrastructure for both maintenance and daily operations,” said Rayden when met at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, East Jakarta, on Monday (18/5/202lag). He added that the construction and facilities development remains on schedule according to the established development calendar.

To date, Indonesia has secured six of the 42 aircraft under the procurement contract with France’s Dassault Aviation. “As far as we know, in 2026, we will have six aircraft, and the nearest schedule is likely early 2027, or if we are fortunate, the next batch of Rafales may arrive by the end of 2026,” he stated.

However, Rayden ensured that not all Rafale aircraft will be stationed solely at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. The total 42 aircraft will be distributed across several Indonesian Air Force bases.

The handover, conducted by Agus to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Marshal Mohamad Tony Harjono, took place at Base Ops Halim Perdanakusuma, East Jakarta. The equipment handed over included six Rafale fighter jets equipped with Meteor missiles and Smart Weapon Hammer, four Falcon 8X aircraft, one A400M MRTT, and GCI GM403 radar.

“We have just officially received, according to our customs, the addition of defence equipment for our air force,” said Prabowo during the ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma. “We must continue to strengthen our defence capabilities as a deterrent. We have no interests other than protecting our own territory,” he emphasised.