Indonesia Finalizes Acquisition of 42 Dassault Rafales with Third and Final Tranche

Dassault Aviation has received confirmation of Indonesia's approval for the third and final batch of 18 Rafale fighter jets, concluding a defense contract signed in February 2022.

The announcement, made on January 8, 2024, follows the delivery of the first batch of 6 jets in September 2022 and the second batch of 18 jets in August 2023. Jakarta faced funding challenges amid competing claims from other arms programs but prioritized the Rafale tranche. The acquisition enables Indonesia to reduce reliance on Russian-built Sukhoi fighters. The country also plans to diversify its Air Force with Boeing F-15EX fighters and is a partner in the KF-21 Boramae fighter development program with Korean Aerospace Industries.

The Rafale acquisition enhances Indonesia's Air Force capabilities with a modern and advanced platform, offering supersonic capabilities and increased operational versatility, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missile capabilities.