The visit on September 22 aimed to ensure that all supporting facilities for the French-made 4.5-generation fighter jets are progressing as planned and will meet operational standards, the Air Force said in a statement received Wednesday.
Air Force Spokesperson Air Vice Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana said the chief first received a briefing from Roesmin Nurjadin base commander Air Commodore Abdul Haris on the construction of key facilities, including hangars and a training center.
“Following the presentation, the Air Force chief and senior officers inspected various sites, from hangars to aircraft maintenance areas,” Suadnyana said.
Based on the inspection, all facilities are reportedly being developed properly. Suadnyana expressed hope that the new infrastructure will fully support Rafale operations and enhance national air defense capabilities.
The Rafale jets, built by France’s Dassault Aviation, are part of Indonesia’s military modernization plan.
Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono previously said the first batch of three Rafale jets is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia between February and March 2026.
“These are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026,” he said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on August 13.
He added that three more jets will be delivered in April 2026 as part of a phased procurement plan. Deliveries will continue until all 42 aircraft ordered by Indonesia are received.
The arrival of the French-made Rafales is part of Indonesia’s effort to strengthen its air defense capabilities. The new jets will join an existing fleet that includes T-50, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16 fighters.
Tonny said a second batch of three Rafales is scheduled for delivery in April 2026, with further deliveries continuing until all 42 ordered aircraft are received.
To support the jets' operations, the Air Force is preparing maintenance infrastructure and training specialized technical personnel.
Tonny expressed hope the aircraft would arrive on schedule and be deployed quickly to help secure Indonesian airspace.
Indonesia became an official Rafale customer after finalizing a multi-phase procurement agreement with France’s Dassault Aviation.
The Rafale jets will join an existing fleet that includes T-50, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16 fighter aircraft, strengthening the Air Force’s combat readiness and air defense posture.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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