Photo: Dassault Aviation
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is set to receive six Rafale fighter jets from France in 2026, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono said in Jakarta on Monday (Feb. 3). The aircraft will be delivered in two phases, with the first three arriving between February and March, followed by the remaining three three months later.
Harjono stated that the Rafale jets will be stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau province. He explained that Pekanbaru was chosen as the home base due to its existing advanced facilities, including a simulator building and "smart hangars," which are essential for operating modern fighter jets.
On the other hand, some Indonesian defence observers have also noted that, in addition to Pekanbaru, Supadio Air Base in Pontianak, West Kalimantan province, is also being planned to receive the combat jets. The selection of both areas is likely due to their proximity to the Strait of Malacca and the Natuna Islands in the North Natuna Sea. The Natuna Islands hold strategic importance as Indonesia’s closest territory to a disputed maritime area involving several Southeast Asian nations and China.
To support the deployment, TNI-AU is preparing the necessary infrastructure and personnel. Harjono noted that aviation facilities were being upgraded, the logistics system was under development, and the required software had been prepared. He added that pilot selection for Rafale training would be based on their previous experience with the Air Force’s current fleet.
Indonesia ordered 42 Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation in 2022 as part of an $8.1 billion deal aimed at modernising the country’s air force.
In addition to the Rafale, an Airbus A400 transport aircraft is expected to arrive in November this year and will be stationed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base under Squadron 31. Harjono stated that, unless there were changes, another A400 would arrive in 2026.
He also mentioned that the construction of a dedicated hangar for the aircraft was being considered, depending on budget availability, as both the hangar and the aircraft were of considerable size.
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