Prabowo Hands Over Six Rafale Fighter Jets and Advanced Defense Equipment to TNI Forces

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto officially handed over several advanced weapons systems (alutsista) to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Operations, East Jakarta.

This addition to the air force's strength includes six Rafale MRCA fighter jets, six Falcon 8X aircraft, two A400M MRTT transport aircraft, and a GCI GM403 radar weapons system.

"We just officially received, in accordance with our custom, additional defense equipment for our air transport. We received six Rafale fighter jets and Falcon transport aircraft, VIP transport aircraft and A400s, as well as radar," said Prabowo in his remarks after the defense equipment handover ceremony, as quoted in Metro TV's Breaking News broadcast on Monday, May 18, 2026.

The Head of State emphasized that the arrival of this latest generation of defense equipment represents a crucial moment in the modernization of national air defense. This step was taken not to incite tensions with other countries, but purely as a bulwark to protect the nation's sovereignty.

"I think one of the cornerstones of our increasing strength must be to continue to improve our defense strength, as a deterrent. We have no other interest than protecting our own territory," Prabowo explained.

Furthermore, the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia highlighted the increasingly dynamic international political landscape and the escalation of conflict. According to him, a country cannot fully safeguard its sovereignty without a strong military foundation.

"But we see that the world's geopolitical situation is full of uncertainty, and we know that defense is the primary requirement for stability, guaranteeing our sovereignty. I think that's the point," said Prabowo.

The government is committed to not relaxing its defense equipment modernization targets in the future. Weapon strengthening will continue to be carried out comprehensively across all branches to safeguard national sovereignty from all forms of potential threats.

"In the future, we will continue to build our strength. We want to secure our airspace, maritime territory, and of course, our land territory," Prabowo emphasized.

During the event, Prabowo also sprinkled flowers on one of the aircraft. The Head of State also took the time to inspect several of the defense equipment.