Second batch of 18 Rafales for Indonesia enters order backlog

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance had been given approval in 2022 to secure USD2.9 billion in credit to acquire the second batch of Rafales. (Dassault Aviation – ERIDIA/A Paringaux/V Almansa)

A second tranche of 18 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft ordered by Indonesia has come into force.

Dassault announced that the second batch had become effective on 10 August and is part of the contract signed by Indonesia in February 2022 for the acquisition of 42 Rafales. “This follows the entry into force in September 2022 of the first tranche of six Rafales, bringing the total number of aircraft on order to 24,” Dassault said.

The announcement of the new batch indicates that Indonesia has been able to make an advance payment for the 18 aircraft. The Rafales are being procured in stages. A contract for the first tranche of six Rafales became effective after a down payment, for it was made with funds sourced from a foreign lender, according to Janes data.

Janes earlier reported in November 2022 that the Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) had been given approval to secure USD2.9 billion in credit to acquire the second batch of Rafales.

According to Dassault, the acquisition of the latest-generation Rafale for the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) includes a complete “turnkey” solution as well as a substantial industrial return for the Indonesian aeronautical sector.

“Educational projects will also be launched as part of the technical training of aeronautical know-how,” Dassault said.

According to Éric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, the second phase of the Rafale contract “consolidates the beginning of a long-term partnership with the Indonesian authorities”.