Indonesia to Receive First Batch of Six Rafale Fighter Jets in February 2026
“We (Indonesia) will begin receiving three Rafale fighter jets around February to March next year, while the remaining fighter jets are scheduled to arrive three months later,” said TNI-AU Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Indonesian National Armed Forces-Air Force (TNI-AU) is set to receive its first batch of six French-made Rafale fighter jets in February 2026, according to TNI-AU Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
Quoting Indonesia’s national news agency ANTARA, Harjono stated that the TNI-AU expects to receive three Rafale fighter jets between February and March next year, with the remaining three jets scheduled for delivery three months later.
“We will start receiving three Rafale fighter jets around February to March next year, and the remaining jets will arrive three months later,” he announced after the TNI-AU leadership meeting.
Indonesia plans to station its newly acquired Rafale fighter jets at two key Air Force bases: Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, and Supadio Air Base in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
The Rafale jets will replace the aging fleet of BAE Hawk 100/200 light fighters currently operated by Air Squadron 1 in Pontianak and Air Squadron 12 in Pekanbaru.
This strategic deployment aims to enhance Indonesia’s aerial surveillance over the Malacca Strait from Pekanbaru, while the Pontianak base will bolster monitoring efforts around the resource-rich Natuna waters, known for their abundant oil and gas reserves.
Harjono highlighted that TNI-AU has already developed necessary infrastructure, including simulators, hangars, logistics systems, and other facilities at these bases to support the incoming Rafale aircraft.
Additionally, TNI-AU has selected pilots to undergo specialized training to operate the Rafale fighter jets, which are developed by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation.
The acquisition of 42 Rafale fighter jets is a critical component of Indonesia’s military modernization program, particularly for enhancing the capabilities of its Air Force.
Early last year, Indonesia finalized the procurement of an additional 18 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, bringing the total confirmed purchase to 42 aircraft.
This followed the formalization of a similar procurement process in August of the previous year for another 18 Rafale jets.
In September 2022, Indonesia secured six Rafale jets, solidifying the total acquisition to 42 aircraft.
The total cost of Jakarta’s Rafale acquisition is estimated at approximately RM32 billion.
Defense analysts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) assert that Indonesia’s purchase of Rafale jets will not only bolster its air combat capabilities but also provide a significant technological edge in modern warfare.
The Rafale is renowned for its multirole capabilities, including ground attack missions, air superiority, reconnaissance, and long-range missile deployment.
Indonesia is reportedly financing the Rafale acquisition through a combination of domestic resources and international financial support.
This includes foreign loans, phased payments, defense budget allocations, industrial cooperation and offset agreements, and private sector involvement.
Overall, Indonesia employs a diversified financial strategy to ensure the successful realization of its Rafale procurement without exerting undue pressure on the nation’s economic stability.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
