Rafale jets surge ahead, strengthening Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The arrival of the Rafale is expected not only to symbolize the modernization of the main weapon systems, but also to open the door for Indonesia to an era of more advanced and autonomous defence technology.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The roar of Rafale fighter jet engines could finally be heard in Indonesia’s skies in May 2026. The arrival of the 4.5-generation fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France is not merely an addition to the Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI AU) fleet, but also a marker of a new chapter in national defence modernization.
Although the first Rafale unit had actually arrived since January and the early part of May 2026, the formal handover was conducted by President Prabowo Subianto to the Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General TNI Agus Subiyanto, at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on Monday (18 May).
From the commander, the Rafale was formally handed over to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU), Marsekal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
The handover ceremony was accompanied by strong, hopeful, and optimistic statements from President Prabowo Subianto.
“We must continue to strengthen our defence capabilities. As a deterrent, we do not have any interests other than safeguarding our own territory,” Prabowo told reporters at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base.
This statement aligns with what KSAU Marsekal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono had said earlier, that Prabowo is very focused on strengthening the country’s air defence.
“We should be grateful that the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, is giving great attention to the modernization of defence equipment for the Indonesian Air Force,” Tonny said at the 79th anniversary ceremony of the TNI AU at the AU Headquarters Field, Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
At present, Indonesia has received six Rafale fighters. This is a small portion of the total of 42 aircraft purchased by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence from Dassault Aviation.
Gradually, the Rafale has become the backbone of the TNI AU’s air defence, replacing the role of the 36 F-16s that have long dominated the archipelago’s skies.
The F-16 itself arrived in Indonesia in 1989 through a national defence enhancement programme that at the time was called ‘Bima Sena’.
Since then, the fourth-generation aircraft has become the main face of Indonesia’s air defence. Now the baton is being gradually handed to the Rafale as a 4.5-generation aircraft.
The Rafale fighter has a length of 10.30 metres, a wingspan of 10.90 metres, and a height of 5.30 metres.
With these dimensions, the aircraft is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and flying at heights of up to 50,000 feet.
This speed and altitude capability is enabled by the Snecma M88 engines, each capable of delivering thrust up to kN (kilonewtons), augmented by afterburners.
The aircraft is also capable of carrying weapons weighing up to 9,500 kilograms placed on 14 hardpoints.