Six Rafale Fighter Jets and New Defense Equipment Strengthen National Defense

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the handover of several major weapons systems to the Indonesian Air Force at the Halim Perdana Kusuma Base Operations in East Jakarta.

The Head of State emphasized this as a form of modernization and as a means of strengthening national defense.

"I think one of the cornerstones of increasing our strength is that we must continue to improve our defense strength, as a deterrent. We have no other interest than protecting our own territory," Prabowo said at the location on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono accompanied Prabowo. During the handover, Prabowo pulled back the aircraft's curtain and performed a watering ritual.

Afterward, he symbolically handed over a golden key to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. Prabowo then immediately inspected the defense equipment.

Previously, the government, through the Ministry of Defense, officially received strategic defense equipment comprising six Rafale fighter jets, six Falcon 8X aircraft, two A400M MRTT aircraft, and two GCI GM403 radars, all equipped with modern weapons systems, including Meteor missiles and Hammer smart weapons.

This acceptance is part of the national defense equipment modernization program initiated by Prabowo during his tenure as Minister of Defense.

The Rafale fighter jets offer significant improvements in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, particularly with the support of long-range Meteor missiles and Hammer precision ammunition, which strengthen national deterrence.

Meanwhile, the Falcon 8X offers flexibility to support strategic mobility, command-and-control missions, and surveillance.

Meanwhile, the A400M MRTT is a key element in enhancing strategic transport and air-to-air refueling capabilities, enabling long-range air operations with increased range and duration.

Furthermore, the GCI GM403 Radar serves as the eyes and ears for early detection of airborne threats and for directing fighter aircraft toward targets violating state sovereignty in the air.