18 January 2022
- RSIS
- Publication
- External Publications
- What’s behind Indonesia’s choice of F-15, Rafale and its implications
What’s behind Indonesia’s choice of F-15, Rafale and its implications
Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo recently announced Indonesia’s decision to drop Su-35 fighters from consideration in favor of the Dassault Rafale and/or Boeing F-15EX as suitable candidates to replace the Air Force’s retired F-5 jet fighters. Indonesia and Russia reportedly inked a contract to purchase 11 Su-35 fighters worth US$ 1.1 billion in 2018. However, several issues hindered contract implementation, subsequently delaying the procurement and slowing the Air Force’s defense modernization under the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) program. The shift has both short and long-term implications not only for Jakarta’s defense capabilities development but also regional dynamics.
Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo recently announced Indonesia’s decision to drop Su-35 fighters from consideration in favor of the Dassault Rafale and/or Boeing F-15EX as suitable candidates to replace the Air Force’s retired F-5 jet fighters. Indonesia and Russia reportedly inked a contract to purchase 11 Su-35 fighters worth US$ 1.1 billion in 2018. However, several issues hindered contract implementation, subsequently delaying the procurement and slowing the Air Force’s defense modernization under the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) program. The shift has both short and long-term implications not only for Jakarta’s defense capabilities development but also regional dynamics.
