Indonesia has signed a contract for the supply of 42 French Dassault Rafale fighters
The Indonesian Air Force (Air Force) will receive French Dassault Rafale fighters. The planes will be bought instead of the Russian Su-35, which in 2015 were chosen as promising fighters. The contract for the supply of French aircraft was signed on Thursday, February 10, according to the European Defense Review.
Indonesian Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari and Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trapier signed an agreement for the supply of 42 aircraft. As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation will also provide flight crew training, supply equipment for the training center and organize the infrastructure of military bases.
In January, the publication Military Watch called the Su-35S the most combat-ready Russian fighters. The publication notes that the advantages of the Su-35S include maneuverability and a long range of hitting targets.
In December 2021, the Chief of the General Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Fajar Prasetio, announced that the military was considering the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II and Dassault Rafale as an alternative to the Su-35.
In 2015, Indonesia chose the Su-35S as a replacement for the outdated F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft. In 2018, Russia and Indonesia signed a contract for the supply of 11 aircraft, which they planned to transfer to the customer a year later. In October 2018, sources reported that deliveries would be postponed due to US sanctions.
