Indonesia To Receive 6 Rafales By 2026

INDONESIA is expected to receive the first six units of Dassault Rafale fighters initially ordered in September 2022. According to the Indonesian Air Force’s chief, Air Chief Marshal Tonny Harjono, three Rafales would arrive between February and March of 2026 while the remaining would be delivered in the following three months.

Preparations are underway to welcome the French-made Rafales, including a home base for the aircraft at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau. ACM Harjono added that simulators, “smart” hangar buildings, improved in-flight facilities and logistics systems have already been installed. Furthermore, the Air Force has begun selecting candidates for the Rafale pilot candidate prorgramme, with training set to take off in July.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence first ordered six in September 2022, followed by an order for 18 units in August 2023. Then, the third phase of the procurement saw another order for 18 units last January, bringing the total number of Rafales to 42.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:DVIDS)