Rafale Will Arrive In 2026, Air Force Chief Of Staff Ensures Advanced Fighter Jet's 'New Home' Is Ready
PEKANBARU - Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU), Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, inspected the construction of Rafale fighter jet maintenance infrastructure at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, Riau.
The inspection, held on Monday, September 22, was conducted to ensure that all supporting facilities for Rafale maintenance were ready and in good condition.
The Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau), Air Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana, stated that the KSAU had previously received a presentation from Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base Commander Air Marshal Abdul Haris regarding the progress of Rafale infrastructure development.
"The presentation outlined the progress of several facilities, from hangars to training centers," said I Nyoman in a written statement received by Antara News Agency on Wednesday, September 24.
After hearing the presentation, the KSAU and other Indonesian Air Force officials directly inspected the construction site for hangars, aircraft maintenance areas, and other supporting facilities.
Based on the KSAU's monitoring, all facilities have been properly prepared. I Nyoman hopes the facilities built at the air base will support the Rafale aircraft's needs, allowing the 4.5-generation fighter jet to operate optimally to maintain national defense.
Previously, Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono stated that three French-made Rafale fighter jets were scheduled to arrive in Indonesia in February 2026.
"We plan to receive the first batch of three aircraft between February and March 2026," said Air Marshal Tonny at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Saturday (August 13).
Tonny explained that the arrival of the Rafale fighter jets will enhance the Indonesian Air Force's air defense capabilities, which are already strengthened by the T-50, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16.
The second phase of Rafale arrivals is scheduled for April 2026, with three additional aircraft, bringing the total purchase to 42 units as per the agreed contract.