Jakarta, September 14, 2025 — The Europe Today: Three Indonesian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, are scheduled to arrive in Indonesia between February and March 2026, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono announced on Saturday.
Speaking at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, Harjono said the delivery of the first batch will mark a significant milestone in strengthening the Air Force’s defense capabilities. “We plan to receive the first batch of three aircraft between February and March 2026,” he stated, noting that the Rafales will complement the fleet currently supported by the T-80, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16 fighter jets.
The Air Force is scheduled to receive a second batch of three Rafales in April 2026, with subsequent deliveries continuing until all 42 aircraft ordered are handed over. “Maintenance facilities have been prepared and technicians assigned to support Rafale operations, ensuring the aircraft will function properly. We hope the fighter jets will arrive on schedule and soon be operated by Indonesian Air Force pilots to safeguard our national airspace,” Harjono added.
Indonesia is among several international customers of the Rafale. The Ministry of Defense secured the procurement of 42 aircraft following the activation of the third-phase contract for 18 units. This enabled Dassault Aviation to commence production of the final batch ordered by Indonesia.
“The Ministry of Defense had previously finalized the first-phase procurement contract in September 2022 for six units, and a second-phase contract in August 2023 for 18 units. With the third-phase agreement, the total procurement amounts to 42 Rafale fighter jets,” Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations Bureau, stated earlier.
The first Rafale ordered by Indonesia is expected to arrive in early 2026, ushering in a new era of modernization for the country’s air defense capabilities.
