Indonesia was found to have long been eyeing the existence of the Rafale and
F-15 EX to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force. The presence of Rafale and
F-15 EX fighter jets to Indonesia is now getting closer to reality.
This is because Indonesia has succeeded in making a contract with France
regarding the procurement of Rafale fighter jets.
And the US State Department also said it had signed an agreement to sell the
F-15 EX to Indonesia.
The F-15 EX sold to Indonesia will later be better known as the F-15ID.
"According to corroborating sources, Dassault Aviation has signed an order
with Indonesia for the sale of six Rafales," wrote La Tribune.
Not enough with 6 units of Rafale fighter jets, it turns out that Indonesia
has added more. And the total procurement of Rafale fighter jets for
Indonesia is said to be 42 units.
“A few days after announcing to order six Dassault Aviation Rafale F4
omnirole fighters, Indonesia finally stated Thursday, February 10, 2022 it
wants forty-two.” wrote Avionlegendaires.
For the cost of procuring Rafale fighter jets, La Tribune had mentioned the
funding for the Sukhoi Su-35.
"The contract for the six Rafales is likely financed by the Indonesian
Ministry of Defense with a planned budget for the purchase of the Sukhoi 35
(nearly $600 million)." explained La Tribune.
As for the F-15 EX or F-15ID fighter jets, quoted from the Washington Times,
the State Department has agreed. And Indonesia is very likely to be able to
have around 36 units of the F-15 EX or F-15ID fighter jets.
The contract value for the procurement of the F-15 EX or F-15ID fighter jets
costs around 14 billion US dollars.
“The State Department signed an agreement to sell Indonesia up to 36 F-15ID
fighters and related equipment in a deal worth nearly $14 billion.” write
source.
“The State Department signed an agreement to sell Indonesia up to 36 F-15ID
fighters and related equipment in a deal worth nearly $14 billion.” he
added.
With this, the presence of the Rafale fighter jet and the F-15 EX or F-15ID
is getting closer to reality.
And of course the presence of the Rafale and the F-15 EX or F-15ID will make
the Indonesian Air Force even stronger.
The presence of the Rafale fighter jet to Indonesia is also part of the
cooperation between Asia-Pacific relations. And interestingly, the
announcement about the F-15 EX or F-15ID took place shortly after Indonesia
succeeded in the Rafale contract.
“We approved the purchase of 42 Rafales. The contracts signed today are for
the first six, which will be followed by another 36," said Defense Minister
Prabowo, quoted from France 24.
Indonesia's desire to procure the Rafale has emerged to replace various old
fighter aircraft.
"Indonesia's first order for French warplanes comes as Jakarta replaces its
aging fleet - consisting primarily of American F-16s and Russian Sukhois -
as concerns grow about rising US-China tensions in Asia." he added.
With this, the presence of the Rafale and the F-15 EX or F-15ID will be
closer to reality. And of course, if all goes well, Indonesia's combat power
will be even more formidable.