Quoting The Price Of The Rafale And F-15EX Aircraft That Prabowo Signed For Indonesian Defense Strengtheners

Illustration of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. (Wikimedia Commons/Mark Harkin)

YOGYAKARTA The government through the Ministry of Defense has explored cooperation with French military aircraft manufacturer Dassault regarding the purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets. So, how much is the Rafale aircraft?

In addition to buying Rafale planes from France, the government also brought in 36 heavyweight fighter jets from the United States, namely the F-15 Eagle X (EX).

Please note, the Indonesian Air Force fleet is currently strengthened by 49 fighter jets, which are divided into four squadrons. With the addition of the 42 Rafale and 36 F-15 jets, Indonesia is not only rejuvenation of air combat strength but will add new combat squadrons. Until 2024, Indonesia is expected to have eight coalitions of fighter jets each with a magnitude of 16 aircraft.

Rafale warplanes manufactured by aerospace company traversies are sold at fantastic prices.

According to a report by Aerocorner, Rafale fighter jets are priced at US$ 115 million or around Rp. 1.6 trillion (assuming US$1, equivalent to Rp. 14,000).

While the India Times calls the Rafale aircraft the third most expensive fighter jet in the world.

The amount of the contract that has been agreed upon by the Indonesian government with Dassault for the purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets is US$8.1 billion (Rp116.04 trillion).

The procurement of this fighter jet was marked by the contract for the purchase of six Rafale fighter aircraft between the Ministry of Defense led by Prabowo Subianto and Dassault, supporting VOI.

It will then be followed by another 36 aircraft contract, with the support of armament exercises and the required simulators.

Not only Rafale, Indonesia is also rumored to have received permission to buy an F-15 fighter jet from the United States.

The Boeing-produced fighter aircraft was sold for $87.7 million per unit.

Based on the Aerocorner report, the F-15 EX aircraft is the fifth most expensive fighter jet in the world.

The advantages of Rafale and F-15 EX aircraft

Citing Dassault's official website, Rafale is a fighter for all roles (omnirole). Rafale is said to be capable of playing a role in the permanent mission of Quick Response Warning (QRA) on air defense missions.

Dassault also claims that Rafale can project power and deployment for external missions, in-depth attack missions, air support for land carriers, as well as reconnaissance missions.

Dassault said Rafale could be used for pilot training attacks and nuclear prevention tasks.

Rafale is also claimed to be either in a demonstration at a low altitude, high speed (dissuasive), or canceling the mission until the last second (reversibility).

The Rafale aircraft is equipped with a SNECMA-made M88-2 double engine and can fly at a speed of 1,389 km/hour.

In terms of weapons, Rafale fighter jets can carry a variety of weapons of war, such as Mica, Magic, Sidewinder, ASRAAM and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, APache air-to-ground missiles, AS30L, HARM, Maverick and PGM100 as well as Exocet/AM39 anti-ship missiles, sports 3 and anti-ship missiles.

While the F-15EX fighter jet is equipped with the Eagle Passive (Active Warning and Survive Systems produced by BAE System. The system can increase the effectiveness of missions and survivability.

Then, on the radar, equipped with AN/APG-82 Ray aboard Technologies radar, digital cockpit flight control.

The Boeng F-15 EX also features fly-by-wire flight control, with a digital cockpit cabin and supported by modern features of the ADCP-II Honeywell computer system, quoted from Boeing's official website.

F-15EX fighter jets can carry more weapons than other fighter aircraft in their class. In addition, these fighter jets can also launch hypersonic weapons up to 22 feet and weigh up to 7,000 pounds.

This is information on the price of Rafale and FX-15EX aircraft that Prabowo brought in to strengthen Indonesia's defense.