AeroMorning date January 26, 2026

Jakarta, January 26, 2026 —Indonesia has officially taken delivery of its first batch of Dassault Rafale advanced fighter jets from France, marking a major milestone in the modernization of its air force, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

According to Rico Ricardo Sirait, spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, the first three Rafale jets have been handed over and are ready for use by the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara). They arrived in Indonesia on January 23, 2026, and are currently stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra.

This delivery is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar defence agreement signed with France in 2022, under which Indonesia plans to acquire up to 42 Rafale jets built by Dassault Aviation.

“The aircraft have been handed over and are ready for use by the Indonesian Air Force.”
— Ministry of Defence spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait.

The contract aims to replace ageing combat aircraft and significantly enhance Indonesia’s air defence capabilities. Additional Rafale jets are expected to be delivered throughout 2026 as part of the ongoing programme.

This move reflects Jakarta’s broader strategic push to upgrade its military and strengthen defence cooperation with international partners amid evolving regional security dynamics in Southeast Asia.