Marking a new step forward in the modernization program of its air capabilities, the Indonesian Air Force is preparing to incorporate its first three Rafale F4 fighters from France, which have already begun their journey to Southeast Asia from the town of Mérignac. The news stems from a short video published on social media, recorded by a person located near the runway, in which the three aircraft can be seen already bearing the insignia and camouflage of the service as they carry out their takeoff maneuvers.
It is worth recalling at this point that the departure of this first batch of Rafale F4 fighters for Indonesia comes less than a month after it was confirmed that the country’s first pilots had completed their training in France, with the support of personnel from the French Air and Space Force. As previously reported, the goal going forward is not only for the Asian country to field new pilots, but also to train instructors who will facilitate the education of future aviators at local bases.
In particular, this first group of pilots remained deployed for nearly four months at Saint-Dizier Air Base for this purpose, where they had access to French Rafale aircraft, classrooms, and simulators to conduct both theoretical and practical training; a process that was mirrored for future technicians tasked with maintaining the platform. It is also useful to recall that in November, the formal handover of the aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force took place, with a small ceremony reported at Dassault Aviation’s plant in the Bordeaux region, where the aircraft could be seen bearing the serials T-0301, T-0302, and T-0303, all belonging to the two-seat variant of the fighter.
With this step completed, France has officially launched deliveries of a fleet totaling 42 new aircraft ordered by Jakarta, which is divided into 30 single-seat and 12 two-seat units. During his speech marking the milestone, Air Marshal TNI Ir. Tedi Rizalihadi, who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force, stated: “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.”
Finally, it should be noted that this fleet could eventually be expanded by up to 24 additional aircraft, further reinforcing the air force of the Asian country—a figure that doubles the number originally planned for this expansion. This is no minor issue, especially considering that it would also deepen the ties between the two countries, which maintain links in other defense programs as well, including, among other things, the acquisition of new Scorpène-class submarines to renew the capabilities of the Indonesian Navy.
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