Indonesia, France Discuss Expanding Defence Cooperation and Military Modernisation
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and France have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation, with discussions focusing on military modernisation, defence industry development, and enhanced personnel exchanges.
The commitment was underscored during a courtesy meeting on Friday between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Fabien Penone at the Defence Ministry in Jakarta.
In a statement shared following the meeting, Sjafrie said the discussions provided an important opportunity to further strengthen defence relations between Indonesia and France, noting that the two countries have maintained close military ties over the years.
He highlighted Indonesia’s acquisition of Dassault Rafale fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation as a key milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.
During the meeting, the Indonesian defence minister expressed his government’s interest in expanding collaboration in the modernisation of defence equipment, the development of the domestic defence industry, and the exchange of military personnel through education and training programmes.
Sjafrie also voiced optimism that the growing partnership would continue to enhance the defence capabilities of both Indonesia and France.
Defence cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in the areas of defence procurement and industrial collaboration. One of the flagship projects is Indonesia’s purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets for the Indonesian Air Force.
Earlier in May, Prabowo Subianto symbolically handed over the first six Rafale aircraft and their associated weapons systems to Agus Subiyanto, who subsequently presented them to Air Force Chief of Staff Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
During his visit to Indonesia later that month, Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the delivery of the first six Rafale jets in discussions with President Prabowo, describing the programme as an important milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The initial six aircraft are scheduled to be based with Air Squadron 12 at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, while the remaining 36 Rafale fighter jets are currently under production in France and will be delivered to Indonesia in phases.
