Indonesia receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets from France

As reported by Malaysia’s national news agency Bernamas, the jets marked the first batch under a deal to acquire 42 aircraft signed in 2022.

Thursday, January 29, 2026 19:30

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on January 28 that it has officially received the first batch of French-made Rafale fighter jets, marking an important step in the Southeast Asian nation’s efforts to modernise its air force.

As reported by Malaysia’s national news agency Bernamas, the jets marked the first batch under a deal to acquire 42 aircraft signed in 2022.

The three, built by French aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation, were delivered to the Indonesian Air Force (TNIAU) at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, the Defence Ministry's spokesperson Brig Gen Rico Ricardo Sirait said.

They are ready to be operated by the TNIAU, he added.

He said an official handover ceremony for the delivered jets, to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto, would be held at a later date./.

VNA

#Indonesia #Rafale fighter jets #air force Indonesia

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