Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will receive another batch of 18 French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets in stages starting next year, with full delivery expected by 2029, officials announced Wednesday.
“Next year, we will see the arrival of another 18 aircraft in stages—phased deliveries continuing up to an estimated completion in 2029,” Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.
While Rizalihadi did not disclose the precise timeline for the upcoming deliveries, he confirmed that the Air Force has established adequate facilities to operate and maintain the advanced multirole fighters.
He pointed to the successful deployment of initial Rafale units at Squadron 12, based at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, as evidence of operational readiness.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense finalized its landmark order for 42 Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation after activating the contract’s third and final tranche for 18 aircraft.
The procurement began with an initial contract for six units in September 2022, followed by a second phase for 18 units in August 2023.
Indonesia has taken delivery of six Rafale jets to date, following an initial batch of three in early 2026 and a second delivery in May 2026.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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