Indonesia and France Deepen Defense Cooperation Amid Rafale Procurement

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is seeking to further strengthen its defense ties with France, highlighted during a courtesy meeting between Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and French Ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone at the ministry's office in Jakarta on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Minister Sjafrie shared details of the meeting through his official Instagram account, describing it as an important momentum to reinforce bilateral defense cooperation.

He noted that Indonesia and France have long maintained strong defense relations, including the procurement of Rafale fighter jets from French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

During the talks, Minister Sjafrie expressed Indonesia’s interest in expanding collaboration in defense modernization, defense industry development, and personnel exchanges for military education, Antara reported.

While specific points of discussion were not disclosed, he emphasized the importance of building on existing cooperation to support both countries’ defense capabilities.

Indonesia-France defense relations have grown steadily in recent years, particularly through joint projects in defense procurement and industrial development. A major milestone is the ongoing acquisition of 42 Rafale fighter jets for the Indonesian Air Force.

Earlier in May 2026, Indonesia received six Rafale units along with their weapons systems. The aircraft were symbolically handed over by President Prabowo Subianto to Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto, who then transferred them to Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta.

These jets will be stationed at Air Squadron 12, Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Pekanbaru, Riau.

The remaining 36 Rafale units are still under production at Dassault Aviation’s facilities in France and will be delivered in stages according to the agreed schedule. ***