Rafale Fighter Jet Reflects Strong Indonesia-France Defence Cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - French Ambassador Fabien Penone has emphasised that France-Indonesia defence cooperation is proceeding according to plan, especially regarding the procurement of Dassault Rafale fighter jets. “We are developing cooperation and continue to promote industrial collaboration with the Indonesian government,” said Penone on Tuesday, in response to questions about the progress of Rafale assembly and delivery, scheduled to arrive this year. Meeting at the French Residence in Jakarta, Penone described the defence and security sector as a crucial foundation of bilateral relations during a visit from Persib Bandung management. He added that both countries are committed to prioritising intergovernmental cooperation in various mutually beneficial strategic fields. “Our cooperation is going well,” Penone stated briefly, affirming the stability of the evolving bilateral relationship amid regional dynamics. According to him, socio-cultural collaboration has been ongoing through strategic cultural ministerial dialogues, academic mobility programmes for universities, and athlete development between the two countries. Indonesia is one of the main customers of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets, with the Ministry of Defence ordering a total of 42 units to strengthen the national air fleet. In January, TNI Brigadier General Rico Sirait stated that the second wave of Rafale arrivals for the Indonesian Air Force is scheduled for mid-2026. Rico did not confirm the number of units in the second delivery phase, as the procurement process and operational readiness are still ongoing. Currently, three units from the first wave have been placed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, since being flown from France by TNI AU pilots in mid-January 2026.