TNI AU Aims to Boost Pilot Numbers and Quality Amid Fleet Expansion

The determination of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration to strengthen national defence by adding primary weapon systems (alutsista) deserves to be taken seriously.

In 2026 alone, President Prabowo handed over six Dassault Rafale fighter jets, four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft, and one Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

In addition, two T-50i Golden Eagle aircraft were delivered via air cargo from South Korea.

Most recently, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the purchase of 12 M-346F Block 20 fighter jets made by the Italian company Leonardo, to be used as trainer aircraft for Indonesian Air Force fighter pilots.

“One of the considerations is to meet the training needs of Indonesian Air Force pilots while supporting operational readiness,” said Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait.

The contract for the purchase of the 12 fighter jets is said to have been signed and is in effect. If everything goes smoothly, delivery of the aircraft to Indonesia will begin in 2030.

Therefore, efforts to increase both the number and quality of Indonesian Air Force pilots are becoming important.

Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU) Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono and his staff are not remaining silent in responding to President Prabowo’s determination.

Increasing the number of pilots