Pakistan, China propaganda fails as this neighbouring country of India is set to deploy biggest Rafale fighter jet fleet; deal is.., it is...

India.com

12-07-2025

Though China has been making strides in the technological sector, it has always been nervous about India's Rafale jets. In May this year, during a military confrontation with Pakistan, India's Rafales demonstrated superiority over the weapons the Pakistani army used, which were made in China. Despite the presence of Chinese-made air defense systems, the Indian Air Force operated in Pakistani airspace and struck important military targets. Now, with India preparing to field the largest Rafale fleet in the region next to China, China's concerns are only going to increase.
Indonesia is poised to formally finalize an expanded defense deal with France, which will see it acquire 24 more Rafale multirole fighter jets. This is expected to change the strategic power balance in Southeast Asia over the next decade.
The significance of this deal is further bolstered by the fact that, despite extensive propaganda by China and Pakistan against the Rafale, Indonesia has placed its confidence in the jet, underscoring the aircraft's importance in reference to defense planning in the region. According to defense sources quoted by the French media outlet La Tribune, 'Indonesia is no longer seeking a dozen Rafales, but rather 24 fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation.' Furthermore, it added that the contract might be signed during the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Paris. It is reported that the Indonesian President will be France's guest of honor on July 14, on the Bastille Day celebrations.
As per Eurasian Times, several other key defence contracts are likely to be signed during the Paris visit. This includes a deal for two Scorpène submarines, up to 36 Caesar self-propelled guns, and light frigates.
Indonesia is an important defense partner for France in Southeast Asia. Historically dependent on Russian military equipment, Jakarta has been seeking to diversify its defense suppliers and, in this process, is increasingly looking to France. The defense relationship between Indonesia and France formally began in 2022 when Indonesia signed a contract worth US$8.1 billion to purchase 42 Rafale jets.
Subsequently, Jakarta announced plans to buy 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France's Thales in 2023, then purchase two 'Scorpene' submarines from the French state shipbuilder Naval Group in 2024. This was also the start of a new chapter in Indonesia's defense procurement, showing a clear preference for French equipment.
Indonesia has not yet received its first Rafale fighter aircraft. Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, said in February that the six aircraft would arrive in Indonesia during the first half of 2026. The contract will be delivered in three phases of acquisition of 6, 18, and 18.
If the purchase of 24 more Rafales is completed, Indonesia would become the first foreign customer for the French-made fighter since the May India-Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan claimed to shoot down five Indian jets with its Chinese-made J-10CE and JF-17 fighters specifically three Rafales. To add nuance to the story, it is also worth noting that while the Indian Air Force (IAF) also acknowledged combat losses to Pakistan in the brief four-day war, it has, however, not published the number of aircraft lost or any information regarding the type of aircraft lost.