Indonesia and France Discuss Rafale Fighter Jet Delivery and Defense Cooperation

Indonesian Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi met with French National Armament Director Lieutenant Gen. Gael Diaz de Tuesta to discuss the upcoming arrival of three Rafale fighter jets in January 2026.

The meeting, held at TNI AU Headquarters in East Jakarta on December 9, addressed preparations for the jets' arrival, including training programs and infrastructure development at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru. The officials also discussed the Pegase joint exercise scheduled for 2026 and broader defense cooperation, focusing on defense equipment modernization and enhancing the air defense capabilities of the TNI AU.

Indonesia has ordered a total of 42 Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, with the first three expected in early 2026, followed by another three in April. Infrastructure construction and specialized personnel training for the jets' operations have already begun.