Defence Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Rico Sirait said the three aircraft are stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, and have been formally handed over both administratively and technically.
“These three Rafale units have arrived in Indonesia and are now fully available for Indonesian Air Force operations,” Rico said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The delivery represents the first batch of 42 Rafale fighter jets ordered by Indonesia from France’s Dassault Aviation as part of a phased procurement programme.
Rico did not provide a detailed timeline for the arrival of the second and third batches of aircraft under the contract.
He said the induction of Rafale fighters would significantly enhance the Indonesian Air Force’s ability to secure and patrol national airspace across the archipelago.
Separately, the Defence Ministry said President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend a formal ceremony marking the reception of the new aircraft. However, officials have yet to confirm the date of the ceremony, citing scheduling considerations.
“The official reception ceremony will be held later, subject to the President’s agenda and availability,” Rico said.
The three Rafale jets are currently based at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau province.
They have been stationed there since being flown from France by Indonesian Air Force pilots in mid-January 2026.
Rico reiterated that the aircraft have completed handover procedures and are ready for operational use.
Indonesia is among several countries that have purchased the French-made Rafale, a multirole combat aircraft used by numerous air forces worldwide.
The Defence Ministry has committed to acquiring 42 Rafale jets, following the activation of a third-stage contract covering the final 18 aircraft.
Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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