Indonesia confirms purchase of last tranche of 18 Rafale fighters

On January 8, the contract for the procurement of the third phase of Rafale fighter jets, for a total of 18 units for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), officially came into force.

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Komitmen Menteri Pertahanan @prabowo Subianto untuk memperkuat pertahanan Indonesia dan memberikan alutsista terbaik bagi TNI kembali menunjukkan hasil nyata. Pada 8 Januari 2024, kontrak pengadaan pesawat tempur Rafale tahap ketiga sejumlah 18 unit, telah resmi efektif. pic.twitter.com/gai5vaXAFk

— Kemhan RI (@Kemhan_RI) January 9, 2024

The first tranche of 6 fighters entered Dassault’s firm order book in September 2022 and the second tranche of 18 Rafale entered in August 2023. With the entry into force of this third tranche, this completes the number of aircraft ordered for the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (Indonesian National Army Air Force) under the contract signed in February 2022 for the acquisition of 42 Rafale combat aircraft.

“In choosing the Rafale, Indonesia has opted for a unique tool for sovereignty and operational independence that will help consolidate its role as a major regional power. This choice also consolidates ambitious industrial and academic cooperations. We are fully committed to making this partnership a success, with a resolutely long-term vision,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation..

With the completion of this third-stage contract, Dassault Aviation will begin the manufacturing process for the Generation 4.5 fighter jet. The first units are expected to arrive in Indonesia in 2026.

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See also: Indonesia delays purchase of Qatari Mirage 2000-5 fighters due to lack of funding

It is worth remembering that a first batch of pre-selected Indonesian pilots has already been sent to France to begin their training and adaptation on the French combat aircraft, during 2022.