Indonesia is gearing up to deploy Rafale fighter jets acquired from France, outlining a phased integration into the Indonesian Air Force ahead of delivery.
While the delivery timeline remains undisclosed, Air Force Chief Marshal Tonny Harjono revealed that Indonesian pilots will begin training with French Air Force instructors this July.
The Rafales will be stationed at Pekanbaru and Pontianak air bases — strategic hubs for bolstering Indonesia’s airspace sovereignty, according to the government.
‘Combat Proven’
The Rafale aircraft supports reconnaissance, close air support, and buddy-buddy refueling missions.
It is capable of air-to-ground precision strikes and anti-ship attacks, as well as nuclear deterrence.
The fighter jet can undertake long-duration missions, flying for over 10 hours.
The aircraft boasts a maximum speed of 750 knots (863 miles/1,389 kilometers per hour) and a ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters).
Rafale fighter jets have been deployed in various conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, and Syria.
Strengthening Air Defense
The Indonesian Air Force is modernizing its fleet to address regional security challenges in the South China Sea and beyond.
In 2024, Jakarta signed a contract to purchase an additional 18 Rafale fighter jets from France, bringing the total to 42 aircraft as part of an agreement that began with an initial order in 2022.
