Jakarta ( WNAM MONITORING): Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, announced on Monday that the Air Force will receive six Rafale fighter jets from France by 2026.
“We will start receiving three Rafale jets around February to March next year, and the remaining jets will arrive three months later,” he informed after the Air Force Leadership Meeting.
His team has made preparations to welcome the arrival of the fighter jets, including readying a home base for the six jets at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau.
“At the home base, we have also built simulators, hangars called smart buildings, improved in-flight facilities, and prepared the logistics system,” Harjono said.
He added that the Air Force has also selected personnel for the Rafale pilot candidate education program.
“The selection is based on various aspects, including their positions with our current aircraft,” he informed.
Additionally, the supporting software for the Rafale fighter aircraft has been prepared by Harjono’s assistant for planning and budgeting.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets made by Dassault Aviation France after the third phase purchase contract for the last 18 units became effective.
Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, the head of the ministry’s public relations bureau at the time, stated that the effective contract was the basis for Dassault Aviation to begin producing the last 18 units of Rafale fighter jets ordered by Indonesia.
“The Defense Ministry previously made the first phase procurement contract with Dassault Aviation effective in September 2022 for six units, and in August 2023 for 18 units. In total, the procurement of Rafale fighter aircraft for Indonesia amounts to 42 units,” he added.
In addition to the Rafale fighter jets, the Air Force will also acquire Airbus A400M aircraft.
These aircraft will enhance the Air Force’s capabilities to carry out missions involving the transport of logistics, personnel, and defense equipment.
