"We plan to receive the first batch of three aircraft between February and March 2026," he said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Saturday.
He noted that the arrival of the Rafale fighter jets will significantly strengthen the Air Force’s defense capabilities, which are currently supported by aircraft such as the T-80, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16.
The Air Force will receive a second batch of three Rafale aircraft in April 2026, with deliveries continuing until all 42 aircraft ordered have arrived.
Harjono said that maintenance facilities have been prepared and technicians assigned to support Rafale operations, ensuring the aircraft will function properly. He expressed hope that the fighter jets would arrive on time and soon be operated by Indonesian Air Force pilots to safeguard national airspace.
Indonesia is one of several customers for the French-made Rafale.
The Ministry of Defense purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets after the third-phase procurement contract for the final 18 units became effective.
A defense ministry source explained that the contract enabled Dassault Aviation to begin production of the last 18 aircraft ordered by Indonesia.
"The Ministry of Defense had previously finalized the first-phase procurement contract in September 2022 for six units and in August 2023 for 18 units. The total procurement of Rafale fighter jets is 42 units," said Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, head of the ministry’s public relations bureau at the time.
The first Rafale ordered by Indonesia is expected to arrive in early 2026.
Related news: French delegates inspect Riau airfield for Rafale deployment
Related news: PT DI sends technicians to France to study Rafale fighter jets
Translator: Walda Marison, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
