Indonesia’s order for a tranche of 18 Rafale fighter jets, out of 42 Jakarta plans to purchase in total, “came into effect” on Thursday with a first payment, Dassault Aviation announced in a press release. Indonesia announced in February 2022 its intention to acquire 42 aircraft for 8.1 billion dollars with a first firm tranche of 6 aircraft.
With the activation of this second tranche through a first payment, the 18 Rafale aircraft officially enter the Dassault Aviation order book. As of June 30, it had 123 Rafales for foreign customers, another 37 for the French Air Force. Paris is also due to place an order for an additional 42 devices by the end of the year.
Contract activation for the last 18 aircraft ordered by Indonesia should take place “in the coming months,” according to Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier.
Egypt, India, Greece…
Apart from Indonesia, this fighter jet has been ordered by Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia and the United Arab Emirates. The largest country in Southeast Asia, which cultivates its non-aligned position, had never acquired French fighter jets, but is seeking to diversify its alliances amid renewed tension in the region, especially between China and the United States.
Source: BFM TV
