Jakarta Boosts Air Combat Capability With French Fighter Jets
Indonesia has taken delivery of its first three Dassault Rafale fighter jets, marking a major milestone in the country’s effort to modernize its air force. The aircraft, which arrived on January 23, 2026, are now stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, on the island of Sumatra. The delivery is part of a broader $8 billion deal for up to 42 Rafale jets, which will replace Indonesia’s aging F-16 and Su-27/30 fleets. According to AeroTime, the Rafale program is central to Indonesia’s near-term air combat capability and has been positioned as part of a broader strategic defense partnership with France.