Indonesia is reportedly preparing to purchase up to 24 additional Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, according to La Tribune, which first reported the news on Friday (4 July). If finalised, the order would supplement the existing contract signed in...
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Indonesia is reportedly preparing to purchase up to 24 additional Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, according to La Tribune, which first reported the news on Friday (4 July). If finalised, the order would supplement the existing contract signed in February 2022 for 42 Rafale F4s, structured in three batches of 6, 18, and 18 units—bringing the total fleet to potentially 66 aircraft.
The new acquisition is expected to be formalised during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Paris, where he will serve as France's guest of honour for Bastille Day on 14 July. Accompanied by approximately 450 military personnel, he is set to take part in the traditional military parade on the Champs‑Élysées.
The proposed expansion of the Rafale deal builds on deepening defence ties following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Jakarta in May. During that visit, both governments signed a Letter of Intent covering various advanced military platforms—including Rafales, Scorpène-class submarines, light frigates, and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers—reflecting broader ambitions for strategic and industrial cooperation.
Among confirmed contracts, two Scorpène Evolved submarines will be built in Indonesia through a joint venture between PT PAL and France’s Naval Group. The submarines will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, capable of carrying 18 torpedoes or missiles, supporting a crew of 31, and offering up to 12 days of submerged endurance. Construction follows a March 2024 contract, financed by a $2.16 billion foreign loan, with delivery expected in the early 2030s, following a directive from the Indonesian President to accelerate the project.
The original US$8.1 billion contract for 42 Rafale jets includes phased tranches: six aircraft are scheduled for delivery in early 2026, 18 were ordered in August 2023, and the final 18 in January 2024.
In addition, discussions are ongoing regarding the procurement of up to 36 additional CAESAR howitzers, along with potential frigate orders, as Jakarta continues efforts to modernise its defence posture across multiple domains.
Despite the momentum, none of the new agreements—including the 24 additional Rafales—have been officially finalised. Officials note that deals may be signed during Prabowo’s mid-July visit to Paris, but negotiations remain ongoing.
This flurry of activity marks a significant phase in Indonesia–France defence cooperation, with France emerging as a central partner in Jakarta’s modernisation drive across the air, sea, and land sectors.
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