Indonesia accelerates military modernization through major procurement

Indonesia is undergoing a significant military modernization program, characterized by a rapid increase in defense spending. The budget rose from approximately $7 billion in 2021 to a projected 245.2 trillion rupiah in 2025, with further increases budgeted for 2026.

Key acquisitions include Rafale fighter jets and a contract for 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkey. The naval buildup includes the delivery of two Italian PPA warships, the commissioning of the former aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi as the KRI Sriwijaya, and the domestic construction of two Scorpene submarines using French technology transfer.

Other procurement efforts involve BrahMos cruise missiles, Turkish drones, A400M airlifters, and new air-defense radar systems. The Indonesian government has emphasized that these funds are intended for procurement, maintenance, infrastructure, and the development of the domestic defense industry. Officials are now focusing on interoperability and network-centric warfare to integrate these new platforms into a coherent force.