Indonesia eyes Rafale, F-15 and F-18

Indonesia is still sourcing a new fighter aircraft. Their eye has fallen on the Dassault Rafale. Of course the French are eager to say that they are already in the final stages of negotiations for a deal that could number 36 aircraft.

However, as you may be aware, the United States has been pushing their Lockheed Martin F-16V Fighting Falcon agressively. In addition, they have also given the green light for delivery of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to Indonesia.

The US Acting Secretary of Defence, Christopher Miller, was in Jakarta to meet with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto on 7 and 8 December 2020 . During those meetings, Miller agreed to sell the two models of Boeing fighter jets to Indonesia, which has long wanted to upgrade from its ageing F-16 fleet.

One of the main reasons for Millers visit to Indonesia was the current situation in the South China Sea, where many territorial claims overlap and where China has built military bases. The US has an increasing interest in bilateral partnership and in securing a free and open South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region.

Also, as you may recall, on 14 February 2018 a contract for eleven Su-35S was already signed with Russia. But that met with issues regarding "technical aspects of the deal". That contract was subsequently cancelled earlier this year. Pressure from the USA and financial issues were said to be a possible cause for this.

As a deal for new fighter aircraft could take years to come to fruition, Indonesia is planning to buy used fighter aircraft which can be delivered much sooner. Early September 2020, it was reported that Indonesia sent a Letter of Interest (LoI) to Austria for a quote on their Typhoons. The Eurofighter is meant as a sto-gap measure before a full fledged succesor to the F-16 can be sourced.

So, the process has been a roller coaster ride for all involved and we can only hope that a deal, any deal, will be effectuated.

With an increasing interest from the USA in the Indo-Pacific region, combined with a possible bilateral partnership, Indonesia's budget issues on military equipment might find a solution.

Photo: Sasan Photography