Purchase of Primary Weapons Marks an Important Step in Bolstering National Defense: President

Jakarta:  Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the additional purchase of the Indonesian Air Force's primary weapons marks an important step in bolstering national defense amid growing global geopolitical uncertainty.

Presiden Prabowo noted that the strengthening of Indonesia's military capabilities is solely intended for defense and deterrence, not for aggression against other countries.

"We have no other interest than to safeguard our own territory. We see the world's geopolitical conditions as full of uncertainty and we know that defense is a primary requirement for stability," Prabowo said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, quoted from Antara on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The new defense equipment includes six Rafale MRCA aircraft, four Falcon 8X aircraft, one A-400M aircraft, a GCI GM403 radar, a Hammer smart weapon, and a Meteor missile.

Prabowo then highlighted that the development of defense forces will continue in stages to ensure security throughout Indonesia, across the air, sea, and land.

"In the future, we will continue to build our strength. We want to secure our airspace, seas, and of course, our land," he pointed out.

The modernisation of this defense equipment is expected to improve national defense preparedness and strengthen Indonesia's position in maintaining regional stability.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation France after the third phase of the purchase contract for the final 18 aircraft went into effect.

On Monday, the president symbolically handed over the keys to a Rafale MRCA aircraft, a Falcon 8X aircraft, an A-400M aircraft, a GCI GM403 Radar, a Hammer Smart Weapon, and a Meteor Missile to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

The aircraft handed over consisted of six Dassault Rafale fighter jets, four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft, and one Airbus A400M Atlas MRT aircraft.

Before handing over the keys, Prabowo opened the curtain displaying the Squadron 12 emblem attached to the aircraft's fuselage.

He also took part in a ceremonial blessing of the aircraft by pouring flower water on its nose and breaking a jug containing flower-infused water.