President Prabowo Subianto announced Indonesia's commitment to strengthening its military capabilities amid uncertain global geopolitical conditions, while receiving additional Rafale fighter jets from France along with new weapons and equipment to elevate the country's security readiness.
During a ceremony at the airbase in Jakarta on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the country must continue building its defense capabilities to serve as a “deterrent” amid global uncertainties.
The Indonesian leader emphasized that the nation's sole objective is to protect its sovereignty and territory, adding that national stability fundamentally depends on preparedness in defense.
At the ceremony, Indonesia received an additional three Rafale fighter jets from France, following the delivery of three jets in January, bringing the total to six out of a 42-jet order under an $8.1 billion (over 290 billion baht) agreement signed in 2022.
Besides the Rafale jets, Indonesia also took delivery of four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft, one Airbus A400M Atlas transport plane, Thales’ GM403 GCI air surveillance radar system, as well as Meteor missiles and AASM Hammer smart weapons from France.
President Prabowo, who served as defense minister before assuming office in 2024, performed a traditional Indonesian flower blessing ceremony over the Rafale jets for good fortune.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense stated that this procurement is not merely an addition of military hardware but a “strategic investment” to strengthen sovereignty, dignity, and long-term national security readiness.
However, security analysts note that while Indonesia proceeds with its arms acquisition program, the government may face increasing budgetary pressure due to global economic challenges and rising oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict, as Indonesia is a net oil importer.
Experts also question whether the government will need to implement emergency budget cuts to accommodate future defense projects amid the country's currently strained fiscal situation.