Indonesia Unveils first Rafale Fighter Jet
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has released the first images of its newly acquired Dassault Rafale.
The aircraft, a two-seat Rafale B carrying tail number T-0301, represents the first of 42 jets ordered by Indonesia under a 2022 contract with Dassault Aviation.
According to TNI AU, the photographs were taken in Mérignac, France, where the first group of 16 Indonesian personnel — four pilots and 12 technicians — is currently undergoing training. The program, known as Pilot Training Batch 1 and Organizational Level of Maintenance (OLM) Technical, is designed to prepare the initial cadre of aircrew and maintenance specialists before deliveries begin.
The Air Force said the training effort is being led by Lt. Col. Pnb Binggi Nobel, M.S.S., Chief of the Operations and Training Division at Supadio Air Base, who serves as team leader. All participants, TNI AU noted, are in “good health and ready to carry out all stages of training.”
The acquisition of the Rafale — 30 single-seat and 12 two-seat aircraft in the F4 standard — was structured in three phases: an initial batch of six aircraft, followed by two more deliveries of 18 each. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026 after the training cycle concludes.
The training program in France is part of what the Air Force described as a strategic step to build “adaptive, modern, professional, excellent, and humanist” human resources. It aligns with one of TNI AU’s priority programs — modernization of defense and security equipment — to strengthen Indonesia’s national air deterrence.
During the initial phase in Mérignac, technicians are receiving both general and specialty instruction in Vector, Avionics, and Armament disciplines, combining classroom study with hands-on work in hangars. On-the-job training will follow at operational squadrons in France.
Pilots are focusing on Rafale systems theory and operating procedures before advancing to simulator sessions and live flight training. Beginning August 20, they are scheduled to move to Saint-Dizier Air Base for full mission simulation and live flight operations, a process that will run through December.
TNI AU emphasized that this stage is essential for ensuring optimal combat capability when the Rafales enter service. With what the service describes as a “measured and integrated” preparation process, the Air Force aims to field a modern fighter capability operated by highly trained personnel able to employ the latest-generation aircraft to safeguard Indonesia’s air sovereignty.
The Rafale program is Indonesia’s most ambitious fighter procurement to date, reflecting Jakarta’s intent to enhance its air power with a multirole platform capable of air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. Dassault Aviation’s F4 standard Rafale incorporates upgraded sensors, improved data fusion, expanded weapon integration, and advanced connectivity features designed to meet the demands of modern high-intensity operations.
Once operational, the Rafales are expected to replace aging fighter assets and serve alongside Indonesia’s existing fleet in bolstering national defense across the archipelago’s vast airspace.