Indonesia reveals 1st Dassault Rafale as part of $8.5bn plan to modernise air force
August 13, 2025
Indonesia has revealed its first Dassault Rafale fighter jet, marking a historic milestone in the country’s ambitious plan to modernise its air power amid growing regional security challenges.
The twin-seat aircraft, bearing the registration T-0301, was spotted in full combat livery at Dassault Aviation’s facility in Bordeaux, France, showcasing a sleek two-tone grey camouflage and Indonesian Air Force insignia. It also carries the emblem of Indonesia’s 6th Air Wing, with the 12th Air Squadron slated to be its first operational unit.
The reveal coincides with an intensive training programme in France, where Indonesian pilots and technicians are preparing for the Rafale’s introduction into service, signalling Jakarta’s intent to emerge as a formidable air power in the Indo-Pacific.
Indonesia is already training pilots to fly the Dassault Rafale
To ensure operational readiness, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has deployed four fighter pilots and 12 technicians to France for advanced instruction on the Rafale platform.
The Batch 1 team, led by Lt. Col. Binggi Nobel, is undergoing comprehensive training that includes classroom sessions, hangar maintenance, simulator work, and live mission exercises.
From 20 August, pilots will begin full-mission training at Saint-Dizier Air Base, continuing through to December. Technicians are working directly with French Air and Space Force squadrons, learning Organisational Level Maintenance (OLM) for Rafale systems, including avionics, vector, and armament.
These twin-seat Rafales are expected to arrive first, enabling early training sorties using Indonesia-owned aircraft.
Indonesia is expecting 66 Rafale fighter jets
Indonesia’s Rafale journey began in February 2022, when it signed a contract with Dassault Aviation for 42 jets, 26 single-seat and 16 twin-seat variants. This has since expanded dramatically.
Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in May 2025, Jakarta announced plans to increase the order to 66 aircraft, making Indonesia one of the largest Rafale operators outside Europe.
These aircraft are the latest F4 variant, featuring cutting-edge radar, electronic warfare systems, sensor fusion, and compatibility with Meteor air-to-air missiles and SCALP EG cruise missiles.
Such capabilities will allow Indonesia to counter high-value threats and extend its strike range well beyond its borders, an urgent necessity given rising tensions in the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca.
The Rafale acquisition is part of a broader strategic defence relationship between Jakarta and Paris. Indonesia has also expressed intent to acquire Scorpène-class submarines and CAESAR 155mm artillery systems, all of which include technology transfer and local industry participation.
Just this month, Indonesia’s first Airbus A400M completed its maiden flight in Spain, ahead of delivery before the end of this year.
President Prabowo Subianto’s attendance at France’s Bastille Day parade in July 2025 symbolised this tightening partnership. While Indonesia aims to avoid formal alliances, its collaboration with France reflects a growing desire for strategic autonomy backed by credible military capability.
Rafale will be based in strategic locations
The TNI-AU plans to base the Rafale fleet at Supadio Air Base in Pontianak and Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, both of which are undergoing extensive upgrades. These locations are critical for monitoring sensitive regions: the Natuna Sea, which faces regular incursions, and the Malacca Strait, a vital global trade artery.
The Rafales will replace ageing BAE Hawk 100/200 jets and supplement Indonesia’s declining fleet of F-16s and Sukhoi Su-27/30 fighters, many of which suffer from poor serviceability and spare parts shortages.
This transition will close a dangerous capability gap and elevate Indonesia’s deterrent posture, allowing it to secure its sprawling archipelagic airspace with modern, reliable assets.
With deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2026, the Rafale programme is poised to transform the TNI-AU from a fragmented, ageing fleet into one of Southeast Asia’s most capable air forces.
At an estimated cost of $130 million per aircraft, and a total programme value exceeding $8.5 billion, this is more than a weapons deal. It is a strategic investment in sovereignty, stability, and regional influence.
Indonesia’s Rafale debut isn’t just about upgrading aircraft. It’s about reshaping its military identity and cementing its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific security architecture for decades to come.
