Indonesia and France Could Quietly Prepare a Second Rafale Expansion

Indonesia and France appear to be laying the groundwork for a second expansion of Jakarta’s Dassault Rafale fleet, even as the first batch of aircraft has yet to be fully delivered.

Discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have reportedly included the possibility of a follow-on order, potentially ranging between 18 and 24 additional aircraft. While no formal announcement has been made, the mere presence of the Rafale in high-level talks is a strong signal that the programme is far from complete.

Indonesia is already committed to 42 Rafales under contracts signed between 2022 and 2024. Deliveries have begun, marking a significant shift in the country’s air power posture. But Jakarta’s ambitions go beyond a simple fleet replacement. The Rafale is increasingly positioned as the backbone of a broader modernization effort aimed at building a credible, multi-layered air combat capability.

A second tranche would not be surprising. Indonesia faces the challenge of maintaining air superiority across a vast archipelago, while balancing competing procurement priorities. Alongside the Rafale, Jakarta is also pursuing other high-end platforms, including the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II and the South Korean KF-21 programme. Expanding the Rafale fleet would provide continuity, reduce logistical fragmentation and accelerate operational readiness.

From the French perspective, the logic is equally clear. Securing a follow-on order would consolidate one of Dassault’s most important export successes in recent years. It would also reinforce France’s strategic presence in Southeast Asia, where defence partnerships are becoming increasingly intertwined with geopolitical competition.

However, the key variable remains financing. Indonesia has historically taken a cautious and phased approach to major defence acquisitions, often spreading commitments over several years. Any additional Rafale order will depend on Jakarta’s ability to structure a viable financial package without disrupting other procurement programmes.

🇮🇩 Indonesia orders 12 PC-24 and signs LOI for PC-21 trainers

 

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered 12 Pilatus PC-24 aircraft to support transport pilot training, air transport and liaison missions. The contract was signed with PT E-System Solutions Indonesia and includes an option for additional aircraft, as well as ground support equipment, spare parts, training and technical assistance from Pilatus Aircraft.

The PC-24 was selected for its operational flexibility. It is certified for single-pilot operations, features a cargo door and can operate from short and unpaved runways. These characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of missions, including IFR training, transport and liaison duties, while improving access across Indonesia’s dispersed geography.

In parallel, a letter of intent has been signed for the acquisition of 24 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers. The package would include ground-based training systems, spare parts, support equipment and technical assistance, pointing to a broader expansion of the training system.

The PC-24 acquisition is confirmed, while the PC-21 programme remains subject to further negotiations. Together, they indicate a structured approach to training and transport, aligned with the operational demands of a country composed of thousands of islands.

After M-346 deal, Indonesia in talks with Italy for aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi

 

Indonesia appears to be moving closer to acquiring its first aircraft carrier, the retired Italian Navy vessel Giuseppe Garibaldi, as part of a broader effort to enhance its maritime capabilities and expand its naval reach. While no formal contract has yet been signed, the process has entered a substantive negotiation phase involving the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Navy, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. 

From Italian Service to Indonesian Flag

The Giuseppe Garibaldi (C551) was built by Fincantieri and operated by the Marina Militare since its commissioning in 1985. After nearly four decades of service, the carrier was retired and decommissioned as newer platforms such as Trieste entered service. 

Now, Jakarta’s defence establishment is seeking to bring the ship into service under the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI AL). Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the Defence Ministry’s public relations bureau, has stated that Indonesia plans to receive Giuseppe Garibaldi as a grant from the Italian government — though ongoing negotiations mean the process is not yet complete. 

Negotiations, Timelines and Retrofits

Both Indonesian and Italian parties continue administrative and technical discussions, with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence expected to allocate funding not only for the transfer but also for retrofit and modernization work to meet Indonesian operational needs. Once transferred, the carrier will likely undergo adjustments to fit the TNI AL’s mission profiles. 

Indonesia’s Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, has stated that the Garibaldi is anticipated to arrive in Indonesian waters before the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces on October 5, 2026, indicating Jakarta’s desire to showcase the milestone at a symbolic national event. 

A Multi-Role Platform for Indonesia

Although originally designed as an aircraft carrier capable of supporting fixed-wing aircraft, Indonesia appears open to employing the Garibaldi for a range of roles. A spokesperson for the Indonesian Navy noted that the carrier could be used primarily for Operations Other Than War (OMSP), such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, evacuations, and large-scale logistical support — missions that leverage the vessel’s size, endurance, and onboard facilities. 

At the same time, the Navy does not rule out the possibility of utilising the platform for more traditional power projection roles if strategic needs evolve. 

Following the recent training and defence cooperation momentum between Italy and Indonesia, Jakarta’s decision to move forward with the M-346 advanced jet trainer deal with Leonardo has added a new layer of strategic trust between the two nations. The agreement not only strengthens Indonesia’s pilot training pipeline and transition to modern combat aircraft, but also signals a broader deepening of defence ties that could logically extend into naval cooperation discussions — including the reported talks surrounding the future of the former Italian carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. In this context, the M-346 deal may be less an isolated procurement and more a stepping stone toward a wider, long-term military partnership.

Strategic and Regional Implications

If finalized, the acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi would mark a historic development for the Indonesian Navy, placing Jakarta among a small group of Southeast Asian states with carrier capabilities and significantly enhancing its maritime reach and operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Despite questions about cost, maintenance and long-term sustainability raised by analysts, Indonesia’s pursuit of a carrier — even a legacy one — reflects broader ambitions to strengthen its blue-water naval profile and respond to both traditional and non-traditional security demands in its vast archipelagic domain. 

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense signs a Letter of Intent for the M-346 Block 20.

In a strategic move to modernize its air force, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense took a decisive step by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) on February 4, 2026, with the Italian firm Leonardo. This agreement, sealed during the Singapore Airshow 2026, positions the M-346F Block 20 as the cornerstone for the generational transition of its training and light combat fleet.

Farewell to the Hawk Era

The arrival of the M-346F will mark the end of service for the veteran BAE Systems Hawk (models 109 and 209), which have been the backbone of advanced training in Indonesia for decades. The M-346 will not only take over the training role but, in its "F" (Fighter) variant, will provide multi-mission light combat capabilities, allowing the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to operate with greater flexibility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Technological Leap: The Block 20 Standard

The Block 20 configuration chosen by Jakarta represents the technological pinnacle of this model. Its most notable features include:

• AESA Radar: A cutting-edge sensor for high-precision detection and tracking of multiple targets.

• Digital Cockpit with LAD: Two Large Area Displays (LAD) that optimize the human-machine interface.

• Advanced Connectivity: Equipped with Link 16 data link and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasure systems.

• Refueling Capability: Includes an in-flight refueling probe, significantly extending its operational range.

Cooperation and Regional Impact

The agreement covers more than just the purchase of aircraft; it boosts the local industry through a partnership with the Indonesian company PT ESystem Solutions. This collaboration will focus on localizing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, as well as developing specialized human capital within the country.

This announcement comes just one day after Boeing confirmed the end of its campaign to sell the F-15EX to Indonesia, highlighting a shift in priorities toward platforms that balance operational costs with high technological capability.

Indonesia Receives Its First Rafale Fighters: A Strategic Leap in Southeast Asian Air Power

 

Indonesia has officially taken delivery of its first Dassault Rafale fighters, marking a historic milestone in the modernisation of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). The arrival of the first three aircraft on Indonesian soil represents far more than a routine platform induction — it signals a decisive strategic shift in Jakarta’s defence posture amid intensifying geopolitical competition across the Indo-Pacific.

The aircraft, delivered in January 2026, are now stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. This first batch formally launches Indonesia’s ambitious programme to acquire 42 Rafales, under an agreement signed with France in 2022. With this step, Indonesia becomes the first Southeast Asian country to operate the Rafale, elevating its air combat capabilities into a new strategic tier.

From Patchwork Fleet to High-End Air Power

For decades, Indonesia’s combat aviation structure has been shaped by political non-alignment, resulting in an eclectic fleet comprising:

• US-made F-16C/D
• Russian Su-27SK and Su-30MK
• South Korean T-50 advanced trainers
• British Hawk light attack aircraft

While this diversified inventory offered diplomatic flexibility, it also created severe challenges in sustainment, logistics, interoperability, and pilot training.

The Rafale represents a deliberate move toward high-end, network-centric air combat capability, offering a fully integrated sensor, avionics, and electronic warfare architecture. Key enhancements include:

• RBE2-AA AESA radar
• SPECTRA electronic warfare suite
• Advanced sensor fusion
• Long-range precision strike capability

For Indonesia, this transition closes a long-standing qualitative gap and provides a combat system aligned with contemporary high-intensity warfare requirements.

Strategic Context: Geography, Tensions, and Deterrence

Indonesia’s geopolitical geography imposes unique security imperatives. Sitting astride the world’s most vital maritime choke points — the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits — Indonesia occupies a central position in global trade and naval movement.

Simultaneously, growing strategic competition in the South China Sea, intensified Chinese naval activity, and accelerating regional military modernisation are driving Jakarta toward stronger deterrence and airspace control.

Within this environment, the Rafale delivers:

• Enhanced air superiority
• Deep precision strike
• Robust maritime strike
• Advanced electronic warfare and ISR

This enables Indonesia to defend sovereignty, deter coercion, and contribute credibly to coalition and multilateral operations.

Rafale at the Apex of a Layered Force Structure

The Rafale will form the technological spearhead of Indonesia’s evolving air combat ecosystem, which also includes:

• Upgraded F-16C/D
• Existing Su-27 / Su-30 Flankers
• T-50 and Hawk trainer fleets
• Expanded ISR, tanker, and surveillance capabilities

This layered force structure offers operational flexibility, redundancy, and resilience, while allowing Jakarta to maintain strategic autonomy by avoiding reliance on a single supplier.

Notably, Rafale integration also introduces long-range air dominance and strike weapons, including Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles and SCALP cruise missiles, fundamentally reshaping Indonesia’s deterrence posture.

Political and Industrial Dimensions

Beyond operational capability, the Rafale programme reinforces Indonesia’s diplomatic and industrial strategy. The acquisition includes:

• Technology transfer frameworks
• Local industrial participation
• Training and sustainment partnerships

These elements strengthen Indonesia’s domestic aerospace sector and reduce long-term dependency on external support chains.

Politically, Rafale reflects Jakarta’s continued pursuit of strategic non-alignment, preserving manoeuvrability between Western and non-Western defence ecosystems while mitigating sanction exposure and supply vulnerabilities.

Regional Impact: Redefining Southeast Asia’s Air Power Balance

Indonesia’s Rafale induction reshapes the Southeast Asian air power landscape. While Singapore retains regional air dominance through its F-15SG and future F-35 fleet, Indonesia now firmly enters the region’s top tier, surpassing most neighbouring air forces in sensor fusion, strike range, and electronic warfare capability.

This shift enhances Indonesia’s strategic weight, enabling:

• Greater maritime security enforcement
• Stronger airspace sovereignty
• More credible regional deterrence
• Expanded multinational operational relevance

Indonesia’s first Rafale delivery marks a strategic inflection point rather than a routine fleet upgrade. Jakarta is transitioning from a heterogeneous, sustainment-heavy force into a modern, high-end air power capable of precision strike, maritime dominance, and credible deterrence. In an Indo-Pacific increasingly defined by great-power competition, the Rafale gives Indonesia both strategic autonomy and operational relevance.

Indonesia has confirmed the acquisition of 18 Rafale jets, completing the total order of 42 planned

In February 2022, the Government of Indonesia signed a purchase agreement for 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets. In September of that same year, six of these aircraft became firm orders. InAugust 2023, Dassault confirmed that an additional 18 aircraft have become firm orders.

Today, the final tranche of 18 Rafale for Indonesia came into force today. It follows the entry into force, in September 2022 and August 2023, of the first and second tranches of 6 and 18 Rafale, thus completing the number of aircraft on order for Indonesia under the contract signed in February 2022 for the acquisition of 42 Rafale.

"In choosing the Rafale, Indonesia has opted for a unique tool for sovereignty and operational independence that will help consolidate its role as a major regional power. This choice also consolidates ambitious industrial and academic cooperations. We are fully committed to making this partnership a success, with a resolutely long-term vision," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

 

After 52 Years Since its Inaugural Flight, C-212 Aviocar Remains in Production; Indonesia Receives Inaugural NC-212i Fitted with 5-Blade Propellers

 

Despite its maiden flight dating back to 1971, the Aviocar, designed and developed by the Spanish company CASA in the 1970s, continues to be manufactured in Indonesia, where new versions and developments persistently emerge.

The Indonesian Air Force recently took delivery of the first NC212i transport aircraft equipped with new five-bladed MT-Propeller rotors. This marks the fifth unit out of a total of nine aircraft commissioned by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense from the local company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

Bearing the serial number AX-2127, the inaugural flight of this aircraft took off from PTDI's Hangar Delivery Center in the city of Bandung, Western Indonesia, and headed to the Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base in Malang, Eastern Indonesia. Upon its successful landing, the NC212i joined the Indonesian Air Squadron 4.

Indonesian public officials highlighted that the NC212i aircraft signifies both a clear display of engineering and production efforts by the local company PTDI and a highly significant milestone in terms of Indonesia's local manufacturing for defense. Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the government's commitment to modernize the country's defense equipment is ongoing, with the NC212i representing just one phase in this process.

This new NC212i transport aircraft is part of a contract encompassing the acquisition of nine aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force. Four are allocated for troop transport, another four for climate modification operations, and the remaining unit for navigation training.

Indonesia's planned purchase of F-15 jets in final stages

Indonesian Air Force planned purchase of Boeing Indonesia’s planned purchase of F-15ID fighter jets is in advanced stages and awaiting final sign-off from the government, the Indonesia’s defense minister said on Monday. Speaking after meeting his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin in Jakarta, Prabowo Subianto said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer proposed and he was confident the package was affordable. In February, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of Boeing F-15ID aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia in a deal valued at up to US$13.9 billion. Indonesia has been seeking to overhaul its ageing air fleet for some time, which currently includes U.S.-made F-16 and Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 jets.

The Government of Indonesia has requested to buy up to 36 F-15ID aircrafts; 87 F110-GE-129 or F100-PW-229 engines; 45 AN/APG-82(v)1 AESA Radars; 45 AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS); 48 Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCP) II digital computers; 80 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); 92 Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) security devices; 40 AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods; 40 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP); 156 LAU-128 launchers; and 40 M61A “Vulcan” gun systems. Also included are Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) (P5 CTS); MS-110 Recce Pods; AN/ASG-34 Infrared Search and Track International; AN/ALE-47 counter-measures dispenser; AN/PYQ Simple Key Loaders; Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and support equipment and spares.

militaryleak 

NEWS 2022 March, 6

French Navy 'Charles de Gaulle' aircraft carrier reinforces NATO's activities in Eastern Europe

According to a Marine Nationale (French Navy) statement 'Charles de Gaulle  CSG set sail again yesterday after a few days of port call in Cyprus. Clemenceau22 continues, but the mission evolves to adapt to the current geopolitical situation. (...). The detection capabilities of the E2-C Hawkeye will notably enable the carrier strike group to assess the surface situation at the Europe maritime borders, especially in the Black Sea. Deployed yesterday in CJTFOIR to fight against Daech, engaged today for the benefit of the reassurance of our NATO partners on the eastern flank of Europe, the carrier strike group continues to operate for the protection of France and the European continent.'

The 'Charles de Gaulle' will contribute 3 Combat Air Patrols (CAP) of two Rafale M each, per day. This translates into a nearly permanent (24 hours) presence. In addition, a daily E-2C Hawkeye flight is planned from the carrier, as well as occasion patrols by the two ATL2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) currently based in Cyprus. The Rafale M will be refueled by NATO tankers present in the area. The patrol zones are the skies above Romania, Bulgaria and the Black Sea, sailing in the Mediterranean sea.
navalnews

Dassault plans to increase Rafale production to meet export sales success

Production of Rafale fighters will increase to three per month by the middle of the decade on the back of export sales success from a planned two-per-month rate.

In 2021, Dassault booked orders for 49 examples of the Rafale: 31 for Egypt, 12 for France and six for Greece. .However, those figures do not include blockbuster orders from the United Arab Emirates (80) and Indonesia (42), which were respectively signed in December 2021 and February this year. Greece is also likely to commit to another six aircraft, and France is expected to commit to at least another 42 in 2023, under its fifth order tranche for delivery from 2027.

However, the sharp ramp-up will not take place in 2022, when Dassault will ship just 13 Rafales, down from 25 in 2021, all of which will again go to export customers, Egypt and India.

Deliveries of the Rafale to France have been paused for several years due to some budgetary choices and are only likely to resume from 2023 or beyond.

Last year Croatia also joined the Rafale operator community, signing for 12 secondhand examples from France.

flightglobal

Air Force One replacement facing additional delays

While the Air Force and Boeing have yet to finalize a new schedule for the presidential aircraft replacement program, it now appears that the first new Air Force One plane will be delivered to the service even later than previously expected.

Boeing now expects that it will deliver the first VC-25B a total of 17 months later than originally scheduled.

That timeline has not been accepted by the Air Force and could change as the service negotiates with Boeing on a new schedule baseline. But Boeing’s new projection, which has been conveyed to stakeholders outside of the company, represents a growth from the 12-month delay presented by the company last year.

Boeing has pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the bankruptcy of its now-defunct subcontractor GDC Technics as the major causes of the delay. GDC Technics was under contract to build the interiors of the VC-25B, but Boeing cancelled the contract and sued GDC,.

Any cost increases associated with the delay would be borne by Boeing, due to the fixed-price nature of its $3.9 billion contract with the Air Force. That contract covers the engineering, manufacturing and development work associated with turning baseline Boeing 747s into a presidential aircraft furnished with highly-classified defensive systems, hardened electronics and secure communications gear.

breakingdefense 

France and Indonesia in talks for the purchase of 48 Rafale fighters

Negotiations between France and Indonesia for the purchase of 48 French Rafale fighter jets are “very well advanced”, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said on Thursday, confirming earlier press reports. 

“If this order goes through ... that means 7,000 jobs during 18 months. That is massive”, Parly told BFM TV. 

French website La Tribune.fr, citing several sources, reported a deal could be signed soon. Indonesia would like to seal a deal before the end of the year but French negotiators want to take the time necessary to fine-tune the details, it said. 

Parly also said France was talking to Greece, Finland and Switzerland about Rafale jets 

reuters

Indonesia wants to buy Eurofighters from Austria

After initial clearance from the United States State Department to buy an MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, news broke that Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto intended to buy jet fighters from Austria.
Austrian newspaper Die Presse reported on Sunday that Prabowo had sent a letter to his Austrian counterpart Klaudia Tanner offering to buy the country's 15 Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighters.
The letter was dated July 10 and arrived at the Austrian Defense Ministry late last week, Die Presse reported.
thejakartapost

Mauritania receives CN-235 transport aircraft from UAE

The Mauritanian military announced on 13 May that it had received a transport aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The aircraft could be identified as one of the CASA/IPTN CN-235M-110 transport aircraft that the UAE acquired from Indonesia in the 1990s.
The Mauritanian military described it as a Spanish-Indonesian aircraft designed for reconnaissance, parachuting, troop and cargo transport, and medical evacuations. It also released a photograph showing a medium transport aircraft with four-blade propellers.
Airbus announced in November 2017 that the UAE Air Force and Air Defence had ordered five of its C295 transport aircraft to replace its existing CN235s.
janes

State Owned Indonesia Pertamina Company wants to buy Airbus A400 to be operated by subsidiary

State-owned oil and gas holding company Pertamina plans to buy Airbus A400 aircraft to be operated by PT Pelita Air Service (PAS), an airline owned by Pertamina and PT Pertamina Pedeve Indonesia, an official has said.
State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Ministry undersecretary for financial, survey and consulting services Gatot Trihargo did not reveal details on the plan, such as the number of aircraft to be purchased.
The official said Indonesia had used the Airbus A400 for natural disaster mitigation in the past.
With the new planes, PAS could transport cargo to Papua as well as other remote regions, the official noted, adding that the plane was expected to arrive this year or next year.
thejakartapost

Indonesia develops gunship variant of CN-235 aircraft

Indonesian manufacturer PT Dirgantara (PTDI) has begun work on a gunship variant of the CN-235 twin-engine multipurpose aircraft.
The aircraft, which is based on the company’s CN-235-220 airframe, is being developed as a demonstrator platform, and will be marketed to potential customers in the Middle Eastern, African, and Central and Southeast Asian regions.
The aircraft is being modified to carry one single-barrelled 30 mm DEFA 553 aircraft cannon on the portside aft of its fuselage. The weapon has been salvaged from a retired Douglas A-4H Skyhawk that was formerly in service with the Indonesian Air Force.
The DEFA 553 cannon has a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s, and can fire up to 1,200 rds/min at both air and surface targets. There are also plans to complement this weapon with electro-optical targeting systems and a laser designator. However, the company has yet to decide on systems that will be selected for these roles on the demonstrator.
Other differences that the gunship demonstrator will feature over earlier versions of PTDI’s CN-235 include using General Electric (GE) CT7-9 turboprop engines, instead of the older CT7-7. The aircraft has also been built with wingtip devices to improve the aircraft’s overall fuel efficiency.
janes

Indonesia confirms A400M acquisition plan

The Indonesian Air Force has confirmed its plans to procure the Airbus Defence and Space (DS) A400M transport aircraft.
The service announced on 7 March that it is to acquire two aircraft to support the civil government in transporting supplies between the western and eastern regions of the country. No details pertaining to timelines or contract values were disclosed.
Indonesia’s interest in the A400M was reported in January 2017. At that time, government and defence industry sources said Indonesia was looking to buy up to five aircraft, and had set aside USD2 billion for the procurement. This initial report was followed in April 2017 by the news that the Indonesian government was preparing to enter into contract discussions with Airbus DS over the procurement.
The TNI-AU has a need to modernise and enhance its fixed-wing airlift capabilities currently afforded by 19 Lockheed Martin C-130B/H and L-100 Hercules, six Airbus DS-PT Dirgantara (PTDI) CN235s, seven Airbus DS-PTDI C212s, and nine Airbus DS-PTDI C295s. Since 2000, five C-130s have crashed.
janes

Indonesia puts KC-46A Pegasus, Airbus A330 MRTT on frame for aerial tanker requirement

The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara) has begun a study to expand the service’s aerial refuelling capabilities, with a view on establishing a formal acquisition programme for two airframes by 2024.
The aircraft types that are being compared in this study are the A330 multirole tanker-transport (MRTT) from Airbus, and what the Indonesians allude to as a militarised version of the Boeing 767 tanker, in reference to the KC-46A Pegasus.
Issues that will be scrutinised in the study include suitability for Indonesian operational requirements, compatibility of refuelling methods with the TNI-AU’s fleet of aircraft, interoperability with existing and future assets, and life-cycle costs.
Prior to June 2015, the TNI-AU operated a fleet of two pod-equipped KC-130Bs, which were delivered in the early 1960s. One of these aircraft crashed in Medan on 30 June of that year after developing engine troubles, and since then the TNI-AU has had to rely on a single airframe of the type for its aerial refueling needs.
janes

Royal Thailand Air Force Received First Two KAI T-50TH

South Korea’s aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) has began delivery of its T-50TH trainer jets to Thailand’s Air Force as a part of a deal won from the Thai government in 2015.
The jets arrived at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base via a 12-hour 6,658 kilometer ferry flight after leaving Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, at 9 a.m., and flying through Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia, on Monday.
An unnamed official from KAI said that it signed a $110 million contract with the Thai government in 2015 to export four T-50TH trainer jets. Two of four aircrafts were delivered on Monday and the remaining two will arrive in the Southeast Asian country in March, the official said.
KAI also signed a $260 million worth contract to export 8 more T-50TH to Thailand in July, last year.
KAI delivered 15 T-50i aircrafts to Indonesia in 2014 and 12 FA-50PH jets to the Philippines in 2015.
T-50 aircrafts were first exported to Indonesia in 2011. A total of 64 T-50 aircrafts worth $2.9 billion have been exported so far to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. KAI is currently pushing to export T-50 advanced aircrafts to the United States, Botswana, and Argentina.
Moon Ji-woong and Lee Eun-joo-pulsenews

U.S. Air Force completes delivery of 24 F-16s to Indonesia

After nearly five years, the Ogden Air Logistics Complex completed regeneration work on the last six Block-25 F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft for the Government of Indonesia.
The delivery is the result of an aircraft acquisition and refurbishment agreement approved by the U.S. government to deliver a total of 24 Block-25 C and D variant F-16s to the Indonesian Air Force.
The aircraft, formerly flown by U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units, had been warehoused by the Ogden ALC's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group located at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Ariz.
The jets will depart on a five-day transoceanic flight and will require mid-air refueling and two overnight stops before arriving in Indonesia.
hill.af.mil

Russian Air Force sends TU-95M Strategic Bombers to Indonesia as part of a Navigation Exercise

The Russian Air Force has for the first time sent strategic bombers to visit an airport in eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, as the Russian military increases its presence in Southeast Asia following years of relative inactivity.
In a statement, Russia’s Defence Ministry said two Tupolev Tu-95MS Bears flew from the Amur region, in Russia’s far east, to Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Biak, on the northern coast of Indonesia’s eastern province of Papua as part of an international visit.
The ministry said that during the flight, the Tu-95MS bombers were refueled in the air by Ilyushin Il-78 tankers over the Pacific Ocean, adding that “the flight was carried out in strict accordance with the International Air Law.”
The bombers were supported by two Ilyushin Il-76MD airlifters that had landed at Biak the day before. The Indonesian Air Force, in announcing the visit, said that the bombers were conducting a long-range navigation exercise.
Mike Yeo-defensenews

Indonesia selects NASAMS air defence system

KONGSBERG has signed a contract worth 77 MUSD with the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia to supply a NASAMS air defence system.
The contract comprise delivery of a complete NASAMS system with command posts, radars, launchers, radios and integration, and training and logistics support. AMRAAM missiles will be provided in a separate government-to-government agreement between Indonesia and the United States.
Several nations have chosen NASAMS, including Norway, Finland, The Netherlands, USA, Spain, Oman and now Indonesia.
kongsberg