JAKARTA, May 18 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto declared his nation will keep expanding its military strength in response to global uncertainties, speaking Monday during a ceremony where he formally delivered six Rafale fighter aircraft and additional defense equipment to the country’s Air Force.
The Southeast Asian nation had already taken delivery of three Rafale fighters in January, with three additional aircraft presented during Monday’s official handover event.
These six jets represent a portion of a larger procurement of 42 Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, finalized through an $8.1 billion agreement in 2022.
“I believe this is a milestone in strengthening our capabilities. We must continue to enhance our defence capabilities as a deterrent. We have no interest other than safeguarding our own territory,” Prabowo stated at the ceremony.
Following Indonesian tradition, Prabowo blessed one of the Rafale aircraft by spraying its nose with flowered water, a customary practice symbolizing good fortune when receiving new items.
The former special forces commander also transferred four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft, one Airbus A400M MRTT, a Thales’ GM403 GCI Radar system, Meteor BVR missiles and AASM Hammer smart weapons to the military.
These defense acquisitions were originally negotiated while Prabowo held the position of defense minister in the prior administration.
The Dassault Falcon aircraft will serve as official transport for the president, vice president, and visiting heads of state.
Monday’s delivery marked the second Airbus A400M received by Indonesia, following the first unit delivered in November of the previous year.
Prabowo has indicated plans to purchase four additional units of the large transport aircraft, which has the capacity to carry heavy cargo including excavators, food supplies, clothing and medical equipment.
