Received by President Prabowo, Rafale Fighter Aircraft Arrives, Adds Strength to Indonesian Defense Industry

Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the arrival of the main strategic weapons system (alutsista) for the Indonesian Air Force at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Monday, May 18.

President Prabowo emphasized the importance of strengthening national defense as the key to maintaining the stability and sovereignty of the country. Especially at this time the global geopolitical situation is full of uncertainty. Indonesia received six Dassault Rafale fighter planes, four Dassault Falcon 8X VIP transport planes, one Airbus A400M Atlas transport plane, as well as modern Meteor missile and Smart Weapon Hammer weapons systems.

The addition of this military equipment is part of the national military equipment modernization program carried out by Prabowo when he served as Minister of Defense in the previous government period.

President Prabowo stated that the addition of the military equipment was one of the important milestones in strengthening national defense capabilities. According to him, Indonesia must continue to increase its defense capabilities as a deterrent against various potential threats.

President Prabowo also highlighted the dynamics of world geopolitics which are currently filled with uncertainty. Therefore, President Prabowo considers defense to be the main requirement to maintain stability and guarantee national sovereignty. In the future, the government will continue to build and strengthen national defense capabilities to maintain the security of Indonesia's airspace, sea, and land.

The presence of Rafale will increase Indonesia's air combat capabilities, both in air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Meanwhile, the presence of the Falcon 8X supports strategic mobility and surveillance missions.

On the other hand, the A400M MRTT strengthens the logistics transport capability and refueling in the air for long-distance operations. The GCI GM403 Radar plays an important role in the early detection system and national air defense control to maintain the sovereignty of the Indonesian airspace.