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Indonesia to Receive First Rafale Fighters in January

Indonesia to Receive First Rafale Fighters in January
Acceptance Ceremony in France Marks Key Milestone
On November 28, 2025, Indonesian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi attended an acceptance ceremony at Dassault Aviation’s Merignac facility in Bordeaux, France, signifying a major step in Indonesia’s military modernization efforts. The event celebrated the imminent delivery of Indonesia’s first three Dassault Rafale fighter jets, all two-seater Rafale B variants, which are scheduled to arrive in January 2026.
Representing Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, Air Marshal Rizalihadi highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition. He described the ceremony as a crucial moment in strengthening Indonesia’s air power, as reported on the Air Force’s official Instagram account. The ceremony also acknowledged the contributions of key suppliers, including Safran Aerosystems, which provides the M88 turbofan engines, and Thales, responsible for the SPECTRA electronic warfare system and RBE2 radar.
The event featured a comprehensive technical briefing on the Rafale’s advanced systems, a detailed physical inspection, and a review of airworthiness documentation. Discussions extended to operational readiness, maintenance protocols, logistics, and long-term sustainment plans. The three Rafale B fighters, designated with tail numbers T-0301, T-0302, and T-0303, are expected to be flown directly from France to Indonesia early next year.
Challenges and Regional Context
The integration of these sophisticated fighters presents significant logistical and operational challenges for the Indonesian Air Force. Existing infrastructure will require adaptation, and personnel must undergo extensive training to operate and maintain the Rafale’s complex systems effectively. This transition occurs amid heightened activity in the global defense market, with Indonesia’s Rafale acquisition following Colombia’s recent €3.1 billion contract for 17 Gripen E/F jets. These developments reflect intensifying competition among fighter jet manufacturers and may signal shifts in regional procurement strategies.
Internationally, Dassault Aviation is under close scrutiny as France recently committed to supplying Ukraine with 100 Rafale warplanes. This substantial order has the potential to affect production schedules and resource allocation, attracting attention from defense analysts and market observers. Concurrently, the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project faces uncertainties due to ongoing disputes between Dassault and Airbus, which could influence the future trajectory of fighter jet development and sales.
Despite these complexities, Indonesia’s acquisition of the Rafale represents a significant enhancement of its air defense capabilities and underscores the nation’s dedication to modernizing its military assets amid evolving regional and global security dynamics.

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