Rafale and Falcon Fighter Jets Set to Strengthen Indonesia's Defence
JAKARTA — Oleh Soleh, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), has stated that Indonesia’s defence will be significantly strengthened with the arrival of several new main weapons systems (alutsista).
President Prabowo Subianto has officially handed over six units of Dassault Rafale fighter jets, one Airbus A400M Atlas MRTT, four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft, as well as GCI GM403 radar, the modern Meteor missile weaponry system, and Smart Weapon Hammer.
“The handover of Rafale fighter jets and various other modern defence systems will further strengthen Indonesia’s defence. This addition of weaponry is crucial, especially given the current uncertain global geopolitical situation,” Soleh said in a statement on Monday (18/05/2026).
“Indonesia will possess increasingly robust capabilities to maintain air, sea, and land defences. Threats can arise at any time and from anywhere. Therefore, Indonesia must always be prepared to face all forms of threats,” Soleh added.
Furthermore, he highlighted that ongoing global geopolitical conflicts should serve as a lesson in strengthening national defence. “The wars occurring in the Middle East, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, remind us all that a nation’s defence is vital and decisive for national sovereignty,” said the politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Previously, Prabowo officially handed over the military assets to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday (18/05/2026).
“We have just officially received, according to our customs, the addition of defence equipment for our Air Force. We have received 6 Rafale fighter jets, Falcon transport aircraft, VIP transport aircraft, and the A400,” Prabowo stated on Monday afternoon.
Prabowo noted that this handover represents a milestone in strengthening Indonesia’s defence. He emphasised that these assets are essential as a deterrent to maintain the sovereignty of Indonesian territory. “We know that geopolitics is full of uncertainty, and we know that defence is a primary requirement for stability and our guarantee that we can remain sovereign,” said Prabowo.