Jakarta, IO – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to bolster Indonesia’s defense capability and providing the best defense equipment for TNI has been proven yet again. On January 8, 2024, the contract for the third phase procurement of 18 Rafale fighter aircrafts has officially become effective.
According to the official statement from the Defense Ministry (Kemhan) Public Relations Bureau on Tuesday (9/1), Kemhan has entered into the first phase and second phase phase with Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace company that manufactures Rafale, in September 2022 and August 2023 for six and 18 Rafale jets, respectively.
“With the third phase, Indonesian Air Force will have a total of 42 Rafale jets,” it wrote.
Rafale is an advanced 4.5 generation fighter aircraft which is one of the main warplane fleet of NATO members. Rafale is an omnirole aircraft capable of carrying out various missions ranging from air superiority, interdiction, ground support, in-depth strike, aerial reconnaissance, and anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence.
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Another advantage of the Rafale is its compatibility with a wide array of weapons such as long-range “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) METEOR and MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP long-range stand-off missiles, AM39 EXOCET anti-ship missile, laser-guided bombs, classic non-guided bombs and NEXTER 30M791 30 mm internal cannon capable of firing 2500 rounds/minute.
The first batch is expected to be delivered in early 2026. The incorporation of Rafale into the Indonesian Air Force’s arsenal will significantly boost its strength and combat readiness in protecting the nation’s air sovereignty. (rr)