Indonesia finally splurges on fighters, European ones
Indonesia is adding a fleet of 42 Rafale fighters from France to its air force. (Gordon Arthur)
On the very same day that Indonesia's air force signed up for Rafale fighters, it received formal approval to buy F-15s from the US.
Indonesia has something of a reputation when it comes to military procurements – casting its net wide, showing interest in disparate equipment and then changing its mind.
However, Jakarta has now gone one step farther by putting pen to paper for a Rafale contract, although it has been seeking F-15EX fighters from the US as well.
On 10 February, a contract was signed in Jakarta for six Rafales for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), but which includes an option for 36 additional aircraft. This quantity will be enough to equip two squadrons, though their locations are yet to be confirmed.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Anduril and Edge joint venture unveils Omen tailsitter UAV
The Group 3 UAV has also netted its first order from the UAE for 50 platforms, with full-scale production scheduled for 2028.
-
![Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank]()
Russian fighter jet exportability threatened by sanctions, says think tank
The think tank realised its report just days before the Dubai Airshow, where the Su-57E Russian fighter jet and Yak-130M trainer and light attack aircraft will make their Middle Eastern debuts.
-
![Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high]()
Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high
While South American militaries will continue to import drone technology from extra-regional suppliers, the successful test of a locally manufactured kamikaze drone by the Brazilian Navy demonstrates the rising role of “made in South America” systems.
-
![UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $4.93 billion UAV market]()
UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $4.93 billion UAV market
The UAE is the second-highest spender on uncrewed aerial vehicles in the Middle East and the 15th-highest spender on the capability globally.
-
![Taiwan to receive first MQ-9B drones by 2026]()
Taiwan to receive first MQ-9B drones by 2026
The delivery will include the first two of four MQ-9B aircraft to be received by the country, after the order was extended in 2024.
