JAKARTA: Indonesia’s $8.1 billion deal to acquire 42 Rafale fighter jets from France has come under public and political scrutiny after Pakistan shot down three of such aircraft used by India in the recent conflict.
On May 7, Pakistan shot down five Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets, during an aerial combat using its Chinese-made J-10C fighters. Armed with PL-15 long-range missiles, the J-10Cs reportedly beat India’s advanced French-built aircraft.
India has not officially confirmed the loss. However, Indian Air Force Air Marshal AK Bharti told the press, “losses are a part of combat,” without elaborating.
CNN later quoted an unnamed senior French intelligence official who confirmed the loss of one Indian Rafale, calling it possibly the first combat loss of the high-end fighter jet. The incident has raised concerns in Jakarta, where the Rafale acquisition is a key component of a broader defense modernisation plan.
Dave Laksono, a member of the House Commission overseeing defence, said: Even the most advanced jets such as the F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 have experienced incidents of being shot down or crashed due to certain tactical conditions.
He acknowledged that the episode offered “legitimate and constructive” grounds for evaluation.”
Adhi Priamarizki, a research fellow at Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said, “Rafale is one of the best jet fighters in the world right now… It’s not only about buying] sophisticated platforms, but you also need the mastery or the know-how to operate those platforms.”
Earlier this year, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono announced that Indonesia’s first batch of six Rafale fighter jets is scheduled for delivery between February and March 2026. Pilot training in France is set to begin in July, while infrastructure development, such as simulators and smart hangars, is already underway at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Riau.
According to Laksono, the Rafale jets play a vital role in protecting Indonesia’s expansive territory and will improve integration with the country’s existing radar, missile, and air defense systems. He also noted that the agreement includes technology transfers and logistical support through government-to-government contracts, which he described as “relatively more stable than purchases from other sources.”
In addition to boosting defense capabilities, the Rafale deal has strengthened diplomatic ties between Jakarta and Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Indonesia from May 27 to 29 to further enhance cooperation in areas such as defense, economics, science, and culture. His visit follows that of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu in January, which resulted in agreements on joint military exercises and personnel exchanges.
Indonesia has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to acquire up to 24 F-15EX fighter jets, signalling its resolve to modernise its fleet still comprise of ageing F-16s and Russian Sukhois.
