Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono has stated that Indonesia-France defense cooperation extends beyond the acquisition of main weapon systems to include critical technology transfer and mastery.
- Focus: Cooperation emphasizes technology transfer over simple procurement.
- Key Asset: Three Dassault Rafale fighter jets were delivered on January 27, 2026.
- Diplomacy: Recent talks between President Prabowo and President Macron covered defense, energy transition, and infrastructure.
Emphasis on Technology Mastery
Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Sugiono explained that the government is expanding its strategic partnerships. He noted that the purchase of defense equipment implies a necessity for Indonesia to enhance its technical mastery of these systems.
“We are not only limited to making purchases, but also to technology transfer and mastery of technology from the items we bought,” Sugiono said.
The Procurement Process
Sugiono clarified that procuring main weapon systems is a long-term process that began while Prabowo Subianto served as Minister of Defense under former President Joko Widodo.
The Minister emphasized that such acquisitions are complex and time-consuming. “This is always reminded by the President, that the so-called main weapon systems cannot be bought like shopping at a supermarket,” Sugiono stated.
As an example, Sugiono cited the procurement of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets, noting that the process from ordering to delivery takes several years. The agreement for the Rafale jets was one of five defense collaborations established on February 10, 2022, between Prabowo and then-French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly.
The first delivery of three Rafale fighter jets occurred on January 27, 2026, adding to a fleet that includes T-80, Hawk 100/200, Sukhoi Su-30, and F-16 aircraft.
Broadening Bilateral Ties
On April 14, 2026, President Prabowo visited the Elysee Palace in Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
Beyond the reinforcement of the defense industry and weapon procurement, discussions included the energy transition, the development of renewable energy, infrastructure, transportation, education, and the creative economy.
President Prabowo and the Ministry of Defense have not disclosed the specific types of additional defense equipment purchased or the financial values of the agreements.
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