France and Indonesia have signed a defense agreement that may lead to future Indonesian purchases of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines, according to the French President. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta during his state visit last month, the French President expressed his support for the agreement, describing it as a letter of intent that could pave the way for potential orders for Rafales, Scorpènes, and light frigates.
The Indonesian President referred to France as a key partner in the country’s efforts to modernize its defense equipment, emphasizing that the defense relationship between the two nations reflects their shared commitment to regional stability.
As part of a regional tour that includes visits to Vietnam and Singapore, the French President’s stop in Jakarta emphasized defense cooperation. While his visit to Hanoi resulted in several economic agreements, including a USD 7.9 billion Airbus aircraft deal, the Jakarta leg of the trip centered more on strengthening defense ties.
Before the French President departed for Singapore, he and the Indonesian President were scheduled to visit the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen joint training and capacity-building for Indonesian forces. Additionally, the French President extended an invitation to his Indonesian counterpart to attend Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14 as an honorary guest.
Referring to recent military activities, including the January deployment of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to Bali and West Nusa Tenggara, the French President highlighted that Indonesia’s military acquisitions, combined with joint exercises between the two countries, demonstrate a growing closeness between their armed forces.
Indonesia is currently the largest buyer of French military equipment in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top in Asia alongside India. The country has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets from the French defense company Dassault, with the total deal valued at approximately USD 8 billion. Initially announced in February 2022 as a purchase of six jets, the order was expanded later that year and again in 2023. The Rafale jets are intended to modernize Indonesia’s aging air fleet, which currently includes U.S.-made F-16s and Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft. The first Rafale delivery is scheduled for January 2026.
In 2023, Indonesia announced plans to purchase 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France’s Thales Group. The following year, it signed an agreement with French defense contractor Naval Group to acquire two Scorpène submarines, which will be built locally in partnership with Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL. All of these deals were concluded during the Indonesian President’s tenure as defense minister.
According to the Indonesian Defense Minister, the letter of intent pertains to existing defense orders, while remarks by the French President indicate the possibility of additional future purchases by Indonesia. The defense minister also noted that the agreement aims to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and France, particularly in the area of strategic weapons systems.
(Source: The Diplomat)
