The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) officially received the first batch of new Rafale F4 fighters during a ceremony held on November 28, 2025, at Dassault Aviation’s facility in Mérignac, Bordeaux. The event, led by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force (Wakasau), Air Marshal TNI Ir. Tedi Rizalihadi S., M.M., formally marks the start of the delivery schedule for a total of 42 new aircraft, of which 30 are single-seat and 12 are twin-seat, to be supplied by the French manufacturer.
The event marked a milestone in the modernization program of the Indonesian Armed Forces. During the ceremony, Tedi Rizalihadi highlighted the bilateral defense cooperation achieved with France. “Today’s acceptance ceremony is an important step in strengthening Indonesia’s air power. We appreciate the commitment of Dassault Aviation, as well as the support of Safran and Thales, in ensuring the quality and availability of the Rafale, which will strengthen the Indonesian Air Force,” he stated.
The acceptance process for the new combat aircraft included a technical presentation of the systems that make up the platform, physical inspections, a review of airworthiness documentation, and analyses related to operations, maintenance, logistics, and fleet sustainment. The three aircraft received correspond to the twin-seat variant of the Rafale, identified by the serial numbers T-0301, T-0302, and T-0303. The transfer flight from France to their home base in Indonesia is scheduled to take place in January 2026.
The Indonesian delegation included officials from intelligence, planning, logistics, and defense, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, and members of the team responsible for the Rafale MRCA program. Dassault Aviation was represented by its Senior Vice President for Military Export Contracts, Frédéric Baup, along with technical teams and representatives from Safran and Thales.
Ongoing training for Indonesian pilots and technicians
As part of the induction process for the new combat platform, the Indonesian Air Force continues to conduct training programs in France with the support of the French Air and Space Force. To date, four pilots and twelve technicians are participating in the Pilot Training Batch 1 and Organizational Level of Maintenance (OLM) programs, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Pnb Binggi Nobel.
Technical training covers three main areas: avionics, armament, and vector. It includes theoretical and hands-on classes in hangars, followed by a professional phase within an operational Rafale squadron on French territory.
Ongoing negotiations for an additional batch of Rafales
Defense relations between Indonesia and France have intensified in recent years. In July, both countries considered signing a contract for 24 additional Rafale fighters during the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Paris as guest of honor at France’s National Day parade. However, despite expectations surrounding the deal, the signing did not take place in Paris.
Sources close to the negotiations indicated that Jakarta could expand the planned purchase, increasing it from 12 to 24 aircraft in this new phase, which would complement existing orders. The agreement is part of a broader military modernization effort, accompanied by projects related to Scorpène submarines and light frigates.
Cover image for illustrative purposes.
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