Yesterday, the Indonesian Air Force reported that it continues to move forward alongside France in the training and preparation of future Rafale fighter pilots and technicians of the institution, through the programs known as Pilot Training Batch 1 and Organizational Level of Maintenance (OLM). In particular, the force disclosed that a total of four pilots and twelve technicians are currently taking part, with the group led by Lieutenant Colonel Pnb Binggi Nobel.
On this matter, the institution’s official statement published on its official social media read: “This training is part of the Indonesian Air Force’s strategic initiative to develop adaptable, modern, professional, and superior human resources. This activity also aligns with one of the Indonesian Air Force’s priority programs, the modernization of defense and security equipment, to strengthen national air deterrence. This effort also emphasizes Indonesia’s readiness to face the spectrum of modern threats that demand rapid adaptation, mastery of cutting-edge technology, and integrated combat capabilities.”
Expanding on details, it was specified that the training period in which the Indonesian technicians are engaged covers three main areas, defined as: Avionics, Armament, and Airframe, according to each member’s specialty. This is in turn divided into classroom lessons and hangar practices, which, once completed, lead to professional practice in an already operational Rafale squadron in French territory.
For their part, the pilots are studying in depth the capabilities of the aircraft in question, as well as the different corresponding operational procedures. According to current plans, this group of pilots will begin their simulator and aircraft training only on August 20, which will take place at Saint-Dizier Air Base until December.
It is worth recalling at this point that the deployment of the Indonesian group’s members had already been confirmed earlier this year, although they are not the first to visit France to become familiar with the future fighter of the island nation’s Air Force. In this regard, it should be mentioned that during 2022, half a dozen pilots had already visited to attend various training sessions with the Rafales themselves for three months, while their government finalized the negotiation for the first 42 F4-variant aircraft; 30 single-seaters and 12 two-seaters. By January 2024, Indonesia would complete its orders with the acquisition of a batch of 18 additional aircraft.
Image credits: Indonesian Air Force – French Air and Space Force
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