TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Defense Ministry officially ratified an agreement to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets from French aviation firm Dassault Aviation on Thursday, February 10, 2022. The agreement was signed in Jakarta witnessed by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly.

CEO of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier in a statement from the company website on February 10 stated: "It is a great honor for Dassault Aviation to see the Rafale join the highly prestigious Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara air force, and I would like to thank the Indonesian authorities for the trust they have placed in us."

The agreement was signed between Trappier and the Indonesian Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari.

Trappier also mentioned that the agreement marks the start of a long-term partnership that will see Dassault Aviation rapidly step up its presence in Indonesia. Trappier also mentioned the agreement shows the strong bond between Indonesia and France and reinforces the position of the world's largest archipelago as a key power.

"I am confident that the Rafale will meet the operational needs of the Indonesian Air Force, actively contributing to the defense and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia," said the Dassault Aviation CEO.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO