- Indonesia’s first batch of Rafale fighter jets has landed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. Officials confirm the aircraft are technically ready but still undergoing administrative clearance before operational deployment.
- Following the Rafales’ touchdown, Indonesia’s defense authorities are completing legal, technical, and safety procedures before granting the jets full combat readiness within the next one to two months.
- The three Rafale units mark the start of Indonesia’s airpower modernization. While trained pilots stand ready, full deployment depends on meeting airworthiness and integration standards.
Although the aircraft—bearing tail numbers T-0301 to T-0303—have touched down on Indonesian soil, their operational status still hinges on several crucial phases before they can fully assume the role of safeguarding the nation’s airspace.
Administrative and Custom Clearance Stage
Under international law and customs regulations, the three Rafale units currently remain in transitional ownership. Teams from Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and Dassault Aviation are completing the custom clearance and import verification process for the defense equipment.
Ownership will formally transfer from the French manufacturer to the Indonesian government only after the signing of the Official Handover Report (Berita Acara Penyerahan – BAP), which is scheduled to take place within the next 48 hours.
Acceptance Test Procedures
Despite their high-visibility touchdown, the jets will not immediately join patrol missions. A joint technical team—comprising Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) engineers and French support technicians—is carrying out several key inspections:
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Post-Ferry Visual Inspection: Ensuring no structural damage occurred during the long-haul delivery flight from France.
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Avionics Verification: Testing the RBE2 radar and Spectra self-defense systems to ensure full functionality within Indonesia’s geographic coordinates.
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Data Link Integration: Synchronizing the Rafale’s communication systems with TNI AU’s command and control (C2) network to enable seamless interaction with ground-based radar and other aircraft.
Crew and Ground Team Readiness
While Indonesian pilots have completed intensive training in France, operational deployment still depends on military airworthiness certification from the Indonesian Military Airworthiness Authority (IMAA).
“The aircraft are currently on ground-hold for final technical checks. Our pilots are ready, but we must adhere strictly to flight safety protocols,” an internal source at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base said. “We project the first familiarization flight over Sumatra’s airspace to begin within a week.”
When Will They Be Fully Operational?
At present, the Rafale fleet can be categorized as technically ready but awaiting administrative clearance.
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Full Operational Deployment: Expected within one to two months, once all weapon systems, maintenance logistics, and spare-part supplies are fully integrated at the base.
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Flight Status: Eligible for ceremonial and limited training flights within three days following the official handover ceremony.
The arrival of these Rafale aircraft represents not the conclusion but the beginning of a broader transformation in the Indonesian Air Force’s combat doctrine and technological integration.
IndonesianPost.com | GNFI