Indonesia Completes Contract for Ordering 42 Rafale Fighter Jets, Says Dassault CEO

MILITARY - JAKARTA. The management of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale Fighter Jet, has commented on the fulfillment of the contract for the order of 42 Rafale fighter aircraft by the Indonesian government.

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, in a written statement uploaded on the company's official website on Monday (8/1), stated that the final stage contract for the order of 18 Rafale for Indonesia began to take effect on Monday (8/1).

He stated that the completion of the final stage contract of 18 Rafale for Indonesia marks the completion of the acquisition process of 42 new Rafale Fighter Jets that have 4.5 generation technology.

The completion of this contract follows the commencement of the first stage contract of 6 units and then the second stage of 18 Rafale, thus completing the number of aircraft ordered for Indonesia based on the contract signed in February 2022 to acquire 42 Rafale.

Eric mentioned that in choosing the Rafale fighter jet, Indonesia has chosen a unique tool to maintain sovereignty and operational independence that will help consolidate its role as a major military power in the region. 

"This choice also consolidates ambitious industrial and academic cooperation. We are fully committed to making this partnership a success, with a clear long-term vision,” said Eric.

Previously, the Ministry of Defense officially announced that the third contract for the order of Rafale fighter jets from France has become active.  With the activation of this contract, the total order of 42 Rafale fighter aircraft will continue to be processed for production.

The confirmation of the activation of the third contract was announced by the Ministry of Defense through the official Instagram account @kemhanri on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

"The commitment of Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to strengthen Indonesia's defense and provide the best defense equipment for the TNI has shown real results. 

The contract activation took place on January 8, 2024, this third stage contract for the procurement of 18 Rafale fighter aircraft units has officially become effective.

Previously, the Ministry of Defense had activated the first stage procurement contract with Dassault Aviation, in September 2022 for 6 units. Then the activation of the second contract in August 2023 for 18 aircraft units, 

With the addition of the third stage of 18 units, the total procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft is 42 units.

With the effectiveness of this third-stage contract, Dassault Aviation will begin the process of manufacturing the 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, where the first unit will arrive in Indonesia in 2026.