“Anti-Rafale” Propaganda, Indonesia Likely To Place Follow-Up Order For French Fighter Jets

Defence affairs - ( sakshi tiwari ) eurasian times

French President Emmanuel Macron appears to have convinced Indonesia to place follow-on orders for Rafale and Scorpene submarines as it seeks to deepen defense and trade ties with Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Macron arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Vietnam on May 27 for the second leg of his three-country Southeast Asia tour, which also includes Singapore, and aims to project France as a balancing power in the Indo-Pacific.

After a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart and other ministers on May 28, Macron told reporters that France and Indonesia have signed a preliminary defense agreement that could pave the way for new orders of military equipment from Paris, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.

“I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpenes, light frigates,” Macron said at a joint press conference sitting alongside General Probowo Subianto.

The statement confirmed an assertion previously made by the Indonesian Defense Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddis. “We will sign a letter of intent together with other ministers, focusing on strengthening Indonesia-France defense ties, particularly in strategic weapons systems,” including Rafale and Scorpenes, Sjafrie had told reporters on May 27.

Although the specifics of the new ‘preliminary’ defense pact were not disclosed by Subianto at the joint press conference, he emphasized that France is one of Indonesia’s leading partners in upgrading military equipment, including technology transfer and joint production. Currently, there is no information available on whether Indonesia can secure technology transfer and local production for the Rafale if a supplementary order is placed.

Indonesia has traditionally operated Russian fighter jets. However, in 2022, it signed a US$8.1 billion defense deal that included 42 Rafale fighter jets.

Later, it announced that it would purchase 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France’s Thales in 2023, and two “Scorpene” submarines from the French state-owned shipyard Naval Group in 2024. Thus, ushering in a new era of procurement that favors France.

Notably, Dassault’s chief, Eric Trappier, is part of the French delegation that will meet with the Indonesian President and ministers to discuss arms cooperation. In fact, Dassault Aviation shares registered a 3.4% climb.

Indonesia is yet to receive its first Rafale combat aircraft. Earlier, Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the head of the Indonesian Air Force, stated in February that six aircraft would land in Indonesia in the first half of 2026.