Indonesia Receives First Twin-Seat Aircraft from 42 Rafale Order
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has released images of its first twin-seat Dassault Rafale B fighter jet waiting on the assembly line in Mérignac, France. Registered as T-0301, the aircraft stands out with the national emblem and two-tone grey camouflage. The tail features the insignia of the 6th Air Squadron, and the jet is expected to become the first Rafale B operated by the 12th Air Squadron.
Indonesia placed an order for 42 Rafales in 2022: 30 single-seat (Rafale A) and 12 twin-seat (Rafale B), all in the F4 standard. Deliveries will take place in three stages: the first six aircraft, followed by two batches of 18 jets beginning in 2026.
Currently, four TNI AU pilots and 12 technicians are receiving their initial training in France. Technicians are undergoing both theoretical and practical training alongside French Air and Space Force squadrons. Pilots will move to Saint-Dizier Air Base on 20 August and continue simulator and flight training until December.
The Rafale will play a critical role in Indonesia’s air defence modernization programme, joining the F-16 and Sukhoi Su-27/Su-30 fleets. The F4 standard is designed for high-intensity operations with upgraded sensors, new weapon integration, and advanced data link capabilities.
The appearance of the aircraft comes shortly after Indonesia signed an agreement to purchase 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets from Turkey. The KAAN project is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, with only one prototype completed to date.
