Indonesia Concludes Acquisition Process for 42 Rafale Fighter Aircraft
The finalization of the acquisition process for the final tranche of 18 fighter aircrafts follow similar processes in August last year for 18 aircraft and in September 2022 for six aircraft, resulting in a total of 42 Rafale fighter jets for Indonesia.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Indonesia has concluded the acquisition process for the final tranche of 18 Rafale fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France, bringing the total number of the fighter aircraft purchased by the Southeast Asian country to 42.
The finalization of the acquisition process for the final tranche of 18 fighter aircrafts follow similar processes in August last year for 18 aircraft and in September 2022 for six aircraft, resulting in a total of 42 Rafale fighter jets for Indonesia.
The procurement of these 42 Rafale aircraft by Jakarta is estimated to incur expenses amounting to RM32 billion.
“In opting for the Rafale fighter aircraft, Indonesia has chosen a unique tool to enhance its sovereignty and operational freedom, solidifying its position as a regional power.
“The selection of the Rafale fighter aircraft also strengthens industrial and academic cooperation. We are deeply committed to ensuring the success of this collaboration with a long-term vision,” stated Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Indonesia and France signed the agreement for the acquisition of the 42 Rafale fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation in early 2022.
The contract signing ceremony two years ago took place in Jakarta and involved the Chairman of Dassault Aviation, along with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, witnessed by the Minister of Defense for Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.
According to the French Minister of Defense at that time, Florence Parly, the procurement of Rafale aircraft represents a strategic collaboration between the two countries and will benefit the defense relationship between Paris and Jakarta.
She expressed pride in France being chosen to contribute to the modernization of Indonesia, a key player in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.
“This latest export success is good news for the thousands of engineers and workers involved in producing the Rafale. The production of these fighter jets involves more than 400 small and medium-sized companies,” she added.
The popularity of the Rafale fighter aircraft has grown significantly, with a series of successful purchases by various countries.
Despite a relatively slow start in marketing the Rafale after its introduction into the French military in 2004, its fortunes began to change in 2015 when Egypt and Qatar acquired the aircraft for their air forces.
In 2015, Qatar purchased 36 Rafale aircraft, while Egypt acquired 24 fighter jets, later adding 30 more to their fleet the following year.
Other countries that have decided to acquire Rafale fighter aircraft include Greece, Croatia, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Overall, Dassault Aviation has received orders for approximately 300 Rafale aircraft, with the largest order coming from the UAE for 80 aircraft. – DSA
