Indonesia, France seek stronger defense cooperation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discussed strengthening bilateral defense cooperation during a courtesy call by French Ambassador Fabien Penone at his office in Jakarta on Friday.

"This meeting serves as momentum to strengthen defense cooperation between Indonesia and France," Sjafrie wrote in an Instagram post.

He said Indonesia and France have maintained close defense ties for years, including through Indonesia's procurement of Rafale fighter jets produced by France's Dassault Aviation.

During the meeting, Sjafrie expressed Indonesia's desire to further strengthen cooperation in the modernization of defense equipment, defense industry development, and personnel exchanges for military education.

He also expressed hope that bilateral ties would continue to grow and strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries.

Indonesia and France have steadily expanded defense cooperation in recent years, particularly through defense equipment procurement and defense industry development.

One of the key projects is Indonesia's purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU).

Earlier in May, President Prabowo Subianto symbolically handed over the first six Rafale fighter jets and their weapons systems to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who then presented them to Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.

French President Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the delivery of the six aircraft during his meeting with President Prabowo later that month.

The six aircraft will be stationed with Air Squadron 12 at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, while the remaining 36 jets are still under production in France and will be delivered in stages.

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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

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