Indonesia reconsiders Rafale contract after Kashmir conflict

Top Indonesian defense officials are reportedly reviewing the combat capabilities of the French-made Rafale fighter jet, following shocking allegations that three Indian Air Force Rafales were shot down by Pakistani J-10C fighters in the early stages of the latest air conflict between India and Pakistan. Photo: X

While the $8.1 billion purchase of 42 Rafales from Dassault Aviation is considered one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious air force modernization programs, Jakarta’s cautious move reflects growing concerns about the aircraft’s unproven combat performance in high-intensity conflict zones. Photo: Indian Air Force

The news site quoted Dave Laksono, a senior member of Committee I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) — which oversees defense and foreign affairs — as saying he acknowledged the developments, but called for strategic restraint in drawing conclusions. Photo: Defence Security Asia

“Unverified allegations from conflict zones cannot be used as the sole basis for assessing the effectiveness or failure of a particular weapons system,” he said, reflecting concerns about the “fog of war” and information asymmetries that often cloud initial reports. Illustration photo

Mr. Laksono also emphasized: “Even advanced fighters such as the F-16, F/A-18 or F-22 have been shot down or crashed due to specific tactical situations. Therefore, the performance of the Rafale cannot be judged by just one incident — which has not been fully confirmed yet.” Illustration photo: Fireart

However, the Indonesian defense lawmaker also admitted that the allegation that three Rafales were shot down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) J-10C fighters using PL-15E beyond visual range (BVR) missiles is a “reasonable and constructive basis” to reassess the combat capabilities of this type of aircraft. Photo: X

If confirmed, the allegations that a Rafale fighter was shot down by a Pakistani J-10C would mark the first confirmed combat loss of the Rafale since it entered service with air forces around the world — a notable development given the growing popularity of the aircraft, from India and Egypt to the UAE and Croatia. Photo: Sohu

In February 2024, Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono confirmed that the first batch of six Rafales will be delivered starting from February 2026. Illustration photo

The first batch of three Rafales will be delivered between February and March, with the next three to be delivered in the following three months, state news agency ANTARA reported — a sign of Indonesia’s growing commitment to boosting its air force’s multi-role capabilities. Photo: PTI

The aircraft will be deployed at two strategic air bases: Roesmin Nurjadin in Pekanbaru (Riau province) and Supadio in Pontianak (West Kalimantan) — both ideally located to control Indonesia's vast maritime domain and respond to situations in the South China Sea. Illustration photo

The initial deal signed in 2022 includes 42 Rafale fighters — both single-seat and two-seat versions — with comprehensive combat capabilities such as air superiority, precision strike, nuclear deterrence and reconnaissance, in line with Indonesia’s doctrine of flexible response and strategic deterrence. Photo: IAF

The Indonesian review was prompted by reports that three Indian Air Force Rafale fighters were shot down by Pakistan's Chinese-made J-10C fighters in an air battle on May 7. Photo: X

The Pakistani military claims that its J-10C jets, armed with long-range PL-15E air-to-air missiles, overwhelmed and destroyed five Indian fighter jets — including Rafales — in a clash over disputed territory. Photo: X

India has not officially confirmed the losses, although Indian Air Force Lieutenant General AK Bharti admitted that “losses are part of combat,” according to a report in The Express Tribune. A senior French intelligence official, quoted by CNN, confirmed that at least one Rafale was shot down, marking the first possible combat loss of the fighter jet. Photo: TRT

BBC Verify also reported a Rafale crash on Indian territory, near Bathinda, Punjab, and authenticated videos showing the wreckage in a field, but the cause — combat or technical failure — remains unclear. Screenshot from video

While not yet verified by independent sources, these reports have sparked debate on social media, with social media posts amplifying allegations of Rafale weaknesses. For Indonesia — a country investing heavily in its air force — such allegations have prompted a cautious rethink of its contract signed in 2022. Illustrative image

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/indonesia-xem-xet-lai-hop-dong-rafale-sau-xung-dot-o-kashmir-post1542608.html