Indonesian Air Force receives its first three Rafales

The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara – TNI-AU) has formally taken delivery of its first three Dassault Rafale F4-standard fighters, regional press reports have confirmed.

The aircraft arrived at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, on 23 January 2026.

Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the Information Bureau at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Secretariat General, said in a press statement on 27 January that the first Rafales will be operated by the TNI-AU’s 12th Air Squadron.

Indonesia signed a framework agreement with Dassault covering 42 Rafales (including 26 single-seat C models and 16 twin-seat B models) at a ceremony in Jakarta on 10 February 2022. The Rafales were then firmly ordered in three batches: six aircraft ordered in September 2022, 18 in August 2023 and another 18 in January 2024.

The three remaining aircraft from the first batch ordered are scheduled to arrive in country in April 2026.

The TNI-AU’s current combat air capability consists of 32 Lockheed Martin F-16A/AM/BM/C/D fighters, along with 16 Sukhoi Su-27/30s, 13 TAI T-50 light attack/lead-in fighter trainers and 21 BAE Hawk 209 light fighter/ground attack aircraft, although 48 KAI KF-21 fighters and 48 TAI Kaan fighters are on order.

The arrival of the Rafales, however, will serve as an immediate boost to the TNI-AU’s combat capability. They are expected to progressively replace the TNI-AU’s F-16s and Su-27/30s.

The maiden flight of the TNI-AU’s first Rafale B, registration number T-0301, took place in Mérignac, France, on 16 September 2025. The first three Indonesian Rafales are now in country. [TNI-AU]