Why Indonesia Chose French Jets Over American Ones

$8.1 billion. That's what Indonesia is paying Dassault for 42 Rafale fighter jets, the first three of which touched down at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra, on January 23rd.

But this isn't just another arms deal. It's the world's fourth-most populous nation—and Southeast Asia's largest economy—charting a third path between American and Chinese influence.

Aging Fleet Meets Modern Reality

Indonesia's air force currently operates a mixed fleet of U.S.-made F-16s and Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 jets, many approaching retirement age. Defense Ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait confirmed the aircraft "have been handed over and are ready for use by the Indonesian Air Force," though an official ceremony will follow later.

Dassault Aviation has already delivered supporting infrastructure, including a dedicated simulation and training center. According to aerospace publication Aerotime, these initial three jets will "kickstart the training pipeline for Indonesian Rafale crews and support the early build-up of operational conversion for pilots."

More deliveries are expected throughout 2026, though exact numbers remain classified.

Prabowo's Defense Modernization Drive

This Rafale acquisition represents the acceleration of a defense modernization program initiated under former President Joko Widodo and now supercharged by his successor, Prabowo Subianto—a former special forces commander who served as defense minister before winning the presidency.

France has emerged as Indonesia's preferred defense partner. In 2024, Jakarta finalized the purchase of two Scorpene-class attack submarines from France's Naval Group, to be built domestically at state-owned PT PAL shipyards. The country has also committed to 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France's Thales Group and expressed interest in French light frigates.

During President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Indonesia last May, Prabowo described France as "one of Indonesia's main partners in modernizing defense equipment," emphasizing their "joint commitment to maintaining regional stability." Macron reciprocated, noting that military purchases and joint exercises demonstrated "an ever-increasing closeness between the soldiers of our armed forces."

The Multi-Vendor Shopping Spree

Interestingly, Rafales aren't Indonesia's only fighter acquisition. Last July, the government signed a contract for 48 fifth-generation KAAN fighters from Turkey. The country has also expressed interest in U.S.-made F-15EX Eagle II jets and China's J-10 fighters.

Even more intriguingly, defense publication Alert 5 reported in early 2025 that Indonesia might revive its stalled purchase of Russian Su-35s—abandoned in late 2021 due to U.S. sanctions concerns.

While not all these deals will materialize, some observers warn that such fragmented procurement could create long-term logistical and maintenance nightmares.

The Non-Aligned Advantage

France's appeal to Indonesia is strategic. It offers cutting-edge military technology while respecting Jakarta's non-aligned foreign policy—maintaining good relations with both China and the United States without becoming overdependent on either superpower, especially in security matters.

This balance is increasingly critical. American weapons come with superior technology but political strings attached. Chinese alternatives offer competitive pricing but raise interoperability concerns with Western standards. Russian equipment carries sanctions risks.

France provides an escape from this trilemma: NATO-standard technology without direct American political pressure.

The Broader Implications

Indonesia's diversified defense procurement reflects a broader trend among middle powers navigating great power competition. By spreading purchases across multiple suppliers—French Rafales, Turkish KAANs, potential American F-15EXs—Jakarta maintains strategic autonomy while upgrading its capabilities.

This approach mirrors Indonesia's broader foreign policy under both Widodo and Prabowo: engaging all major powers while avoiding entanglement in their rivalries. For defense manufacturers, it signals that the era of exclusive partnerships may be ending, replaced by competitive, multi-vendor relationships.

For regional security, Indonesia's military modernization sends mixed signals. Enhanced capabilities could contribute to stability through deterrence, but the diversity of suppliers might complicate alliance coordination during crises.