Indonesia’s first Rafale jets arrive, starting deliveries for 42-aircraft order

Indonesia has received its first three Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, marking the start of deliveries under Jakarta’s long-running effort to modernize the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). 

The aircraft arrived on January 23, 2026, and are now stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, on the island of Sumatra. The delivery represents the first tangible milestone in Indonesia’s Rafale program, which was initially agreed in 2022 under an approximately $8 billion deal that has since been expanded. Indonesia has committed to acquiring up to 42 Rafale jets under President Prabowo Subianto. 

First Rafale fighters delivered to Pekanbaru 

The initial batch comprises three Rafale B twin-seat aircraft, photographed in Indonesian markings and identified as tail numbers T-0301, T-0302, and T-0303. According to The Jakarta Post, a formal Indonesian Air Force handover ceremony is expected to take place at a later date. 

As twin-seaters, the jets are likely intended to kickstart the training pipeline for Indonesian Rafale crews and support the early build-up of operational conversion for TNI-AU pilots. Ahead of the first deliveries, Dassault Aviation handed over key infrastructure to support Rafale operations in Indonesia, including a dedicated simulation and training center.  

French and Indonesian officials have consistently framed the fighter program as part of a broader strategic defense partnership, which has also included Indonesia’s order for Airbus A400M airlifters, a Falcon 7X business jet for VIP transport, and discussions on potential submarine cooperation. 

Rafale as the anchor program 

The first three Rafale fighter jets have departed Mérignac, France, en route to Indonesia as part of Indonesia’s Rafale procurement program. pic.twitter.com/UYAkCe1Uh3— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) January 9, 2026

The Rafale program has been positioned by Jakarta as central to its near-term air combat capability, replacing aging F-16 and Su-27/30 fleets while providing a high-end multirole platform already in service across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In May 2025, Indonesia’s Rafale commitment was reinforced by a letter of intent signed with France to explore additional defense cooperation and potential follow-on orders. 

The Rafale acquisition also follows Indonesia’s decision to cancel earlier plans to procure surplus Mirage 2000 fighters as a stopgap solution, a project that was abandoned amid corruption allegations and concerns over cost and sustainment, further underscoring Jakarta’s shift toward new-build combat aircraft. 

Diversification and parallel fighter pathways 

Indonesia’s fighter roadmap diversified throughout 2025, balancing Western, Asian, and emerging suppliers rather than relying on a single source. Alongside Rafale, Jakarta has confirmed a separate deal for China’s Chengdu J-10 fighter, while continuing to evaluate US-built F-15EX aircraft.  

The decision to acquire the J-10C has been cited by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission as a possible outcome of Chinese pressure and disinformation efforts targeting Rafale sales prospects, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor. 

For the longer term, Indonesia has also signed a contract for 48 KAAN fighters from Turkey. Indonesia remains involved, albeit in a reduced form, in South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program. In June 2025, Seoul and Jakarta signed a revised joint development agreement that lowered Indonesia’s financial contribution while preserving its industrial participation. The post Indonesia’s first Rafale jets arrive, starting deliveries for 42-aircraft order appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source