Indonesian Rafale Fighter Jets Built to F4 Capability

President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, 18 May 2026, officially inaugurated the Indonesian Air Force’s newest main weapon system (alutsista) — the Rafale fighter jets built by France’s Dassault Aviation. The handover ceremony for the Rafale jets to the Indonesian Air Force was held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta. Indonesia has ordered 42 Rafale aircraft in three tranches since 2022, with the first deliveries starting in 2026. All Rafales for Indonesia will be built to the F4 standard, the latest generation of capability developed by Dassault Aviation to enhance performance, connectivity, and combat durability compared with earlier versions (F1, F2, F3, and F3R). The Rafale generation F4, as quoted by KompasTekno from The Aviationist on 30 September 2025, features include: software architecture enabling advanced data fusion, improved man-machine interface, and secure-cloud connectivity to facilitate joint operations with allies across multiple combat domains. On avionics, the F4 Rafale is equipped with Thales RBE2 AESA radar capable of detecting low-profile threats at greater range than earlier generations. The Front Sector Optronics (OSF) system adds passive detection capabilities, important in electronic warfare-era conflict zones. The SPECTRA electronic warfare suite provides comprehensive protection through a combination of radar warning receivers, jammers, and decoy dispensers. The engines are also claimed to have a higher mean time between overhaul than the older jets used by the Indonesian Air Force, such as the Flanker and Hawk, thereby reducing maintenance costs. For more detail, here is a table comparing the Rafale F4 with earlier generations: In terms of armament, the Rafale is equipped with 11 hardpoints allowing flexible installation of Meteor missiles with beyond-visual-range capability. There are also MICA NG missiles guided by infrared and radar, AASM precision glide bombs, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, and the anti-ship Exocet missiles. This configuration ensures Rafale can undertake air superiority, maritime strike, infiltration missions, and Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions without requiring a special variant. The two-seat configuration also provides the option to employ a second crew member in long-duration maritime patrols or to coordinate complex attacks. Kompas.com obtained photos of TNI-AU Rafale undergoing trials at Dassault Aviation facilities in Bordeaux, France. Photographer Maciej Swiderski sent the photos via e-mail showing the first ordered jets. The first TNI-AU Rafale appears in grey camouflage reminiscent of the British Aerospace Hawk 100/200 series previously operated by the Indonesian Air Force. The wing-mounted insignia at the rear shows Wing Udara 6, registration number T-0301, and the Red-White flag. The nose carries markings for Skuadron Udara 12, based at Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru, the base where Rafales will be stationed. The Indonesian government states the contract, valued at USD 8.1 billion, comprises 30 single-seat and 12 two-seat aircraft. Delivery of the Rafale jets to the Indonesian Air Force is planned to begin in early 2026, with the first batch of three units scheduled to arrive in February or March 2026 at Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin, Pekanbaru. The total of 42 Rafale aircraft will be delivered gradually. A test flight in France on 19 September confirmed the aircraft’s readiness and validated Dassault’s production schedule for Indonesia’s order. Domestically, Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin in Pekanbaru is being prepared as the Rafale’s main base. Hangars, maintenance facilities, and training for technicians and aircrew are being accelerated to ensure all infrastructure is ready when deliveries begin in February–March 2026. Kompas.com remains committed to delivering clear facts and balanced journalism.