Indonesia Strengthens Air Defense with New Military Assets: President Prabowo
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Monday said the latest acquisition of primary weapons systems for the Indonesian Air Force marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s national defense amid growing global geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaking at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s military modernisation efforts are aimed solely at defense and deterrence, and not aggression against any country.
“We have no other interest than to safeguard our own territory. We see the world’s geopolitical conditions as full of uncertainty and we know that defense is a primary requirement for stability,” he said.
The newly acquired defense equipment includes six Rafale multirole combat aircraft, four Falcon 8X aircraft, one A-400M aircraft, a GCI GM403 radar system, Hammer smart weapons and Meteor missiles.
President Prabowo said Indonesia would continue to strengthen its defense capabilities in stages to ensure security across its airspace, territorial waters and land borders.
“In the future, we will continue to build our strength. We want to secure our airspace, seas and, of course, our land,” he added.
The modernization programme is expected to enhance Indonesia’s defense preparedness and reinforce the country’s role in maintaining regional stability.
Earlier, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense finalized the procurement of 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation following the activation of the third phase of the purchase contract covering the final 18 aircraft.
During the ceremony, President Prabowo symbolically handed over the keys of the newly acquired military assets to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.
The aircraft delivered included six Dassault Rafale fighter jets, four Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft and one Airbus A400M Atlas MRT aircraft.
As part of the ceremony, President Prabowo unveiled the Squadron 12 emblem attached to the aircraft fuselage and participated in a traditional blessing ritual by pouring flower-infused water on the aircraft nose before breaking a ceremonial jug containing scented water.
