US approves Indonesia’s potential US$14 billion after Jakarta announced $8.1 billion deal to buy 42 Rafale jets from France
Indonesia has signed a deal to buy 42 Rafale fighter jets from France while also winning U.S. approval for a potential purchase of F-15s as the Southeast Asian country moves towards modernizing its fleet.
Indonesia has agreed to buy six Rafale fighter jets produced by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, with the acquisition of 36 more on the way in a deal valued $8.1 billion. This deal has made Jakarta the biggest French arms client in the region.
“It’s official: Indonesia orders 42 Rafales,” French Defence Minister Florence Parly said. She said the “strategic partnership will benefit from the deepening of our defence relations”, adding that France was proud to contribute to the modernisation of armed forces within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Parly on Thursday and welcomed the signing of a series of agreements that also include submarine development, satellite procurement and ammunition manufacturing.
“I hope that defence partnerships aren’t just focused on munition purchases, but also keeping in mind the development and joint production, technological transfer, and investment in defence industries,” Jokowi said.
At the same time, the U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of F-15ID aircraft and related equipment to Indonesia in a deal valued at up to $13.9 billion, the Pentagon said. The package would include 36 jets, spare engines, radars, night vision goggles training and technical support.