The wait for Indonesia’s decision regarding its future fighter jet spearhead has come to an end: As previously indicated by the Elyseé and contacts from the TNI-AU (Indonesian Air Force), Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has now confirmed the purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets from the French manufacturer Dassault. Indonesia also announced the purchase of two submarines and a reconnaissance satellite.
Apparently, Jakarta – in a delicate environment at the southern end of the South China Sea, which is almost entirely claimed by China (keyword Nandu Islands) – has come to the conclusion since the initial scanning of the market that used aircraft without self-protection, BVR and two-seaters do not meet the requirements after all. In addition to its earlier interest in Eurofighters, Indonesia’s decision has also meant – according to the air chief “with a teary eye” – that it has abandoned the planned deal to procure eleven Russian Su-35s as a result of US sanctions threats (the country also operates an F-16 fleet).
“Indonesia will thus follow India (Military News reported) the second Indo-Pacific state to rely on the jet produced by Dassault Aviation,” said French Defense Minister Florence Parly. An official from the French Ministry of Defense told journalists in a briefing that the jet deal (including production by Dassault Aviation, engines by Safran and electronics by Thales) is worth a total of 7.1 billion euros.
According to Dassault Aviation, six jets are to be transferred in a first phase in the next few months – the signatures provided only concern those aircraft for the time being (which, as in the case of Egypt or Greece initially existing French aircraft), while the remaining 36 F4 aircraft will be delivered at a later date (conceivably starting next year). Dassault also added that the deal marks the “beginning of a long-term partnership” and is a “complete turnkey solution including crew training package, two full mission simulators, logistic support and the adaptation of several Indonesian airbases”. “This will significantly strengthen the position of the world’s largest archipelago as a major power on the international stage,” commented Dassault CEO Éric Trappier.
It remains unclear – it was not mentioned – which French or international loans Indonesia will use to finance the more than seven billion euros. In the past, Indonesian procurements have always involved major external financing and so-called barter deals (for example with palm oil) have been accepted as equity. In any case, Dassault’s shares –
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also met with Madamme Parly and welcomed the signing of agreements on the development of submarines, the procurement of aircraft, satellites and also ammunition production: “I hope that defense partnerships will not only focus on the purchase of ammunition, but also on development and joint production, technology transfer and investment in the defense industry,” said Jokowi.
In addition to the fighter jets, Indonesia has also signed a memorandum of cooperation for the development of submarines, which is expected to lead to an order for two Scorpene submarines produced by the French Naval Group.
How Breaking Defense reportsIndonesia has also asked the USA for 36 F-15EX (ID) Eagles (see picture below). If – as is characteristic of these congressional announcements – all options were to be considered, the deal would be worth around twelve billion euros. In the corresponding release from the DSCA (Defence Security Cooperation Agency) (Defence Security Cooperation Agency), which is responsible for FMS, it is noticeable that the package always contains the maximum figures that have been approved – including target illumination and reconnaissance containers – but no armament.
Here for more news about Dassault Aviation and here for more news about the Indonesian armed forces.
