Sjafrie Discusses Strengthening Defence Cooperation with French Ambassador

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discussed strengthening defence cooperation with France during a courtesy call from French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta on Friday. Sjafrie stated on his personal Instagram account that the meeting was a momentum to reinforce Indonesia-France defence cooperation. He noted that the two countries have long maintained good relations in the defence sector, exemplified by the procurement of Rafale fighter jets produced by French company Dassault Aviation. During the meeting, Sjafrie expressed a desire to further strengthen cooperation in the modernisation of primary weaponry systems, the defence industry, and personnel exchanges for military education, though he did not elaborate on the specific points discussed. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would continue to develop to support the strengthening of both nations’ defences. Defence relations between Indonesia and France have shown continued improvement in recent years, particularly through cooperation in arms procurement and defence industry development. One of the ongoing strategic collaborations is the acquisition of 42 Rafale fighter jets for the Indonesian Air Force. Six Rafale jets along with their weapons systems have been received, with a symbolic handover conducted by President Prabowo Subianto to the Indonesian Military Commander, who then transferred them to the Air Force Chief of Staff at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta in May 2026. These six aircraft will be stationed at Air Squadron 12, Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau. The remaining 36 Rafale units are still in production at Dassault Aviation’s facility in France and will be delivered in stages according to the schedule agreed upon by both countries.