Indonesia strengthens defense through budget increases and military modernization

Indonesia is advancing its military modernization through increased budget allocations and enhanced domestic maintenance capabilities. The government has proposed a defense budget of Rp329.47 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year, representing a 10.1% increase from the 2026 outlook. This funding is intended for the procurement and maintenance of primary weapons systems (alutsista), defense infrastructure, domestic industry development, and cyber security.

On the technical front, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin noted that the nation is nearing self-reliance in weapons maintenance. A significant milestone was achieved by PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia (GMF), which successfully completed heavy maintenance on the Indonesian Air Force’s C-130H Hercules transport aircraft through a technology transfer partnership with Lockheed Martin. Plans are also underway to develop a major Hercules maintenance facility at Kertajati Airport.

As part of its ongoing modernization, Indonesia has also integrated several new assets into its military branches. In 2026, the Air Force received the first six of 42 ordered Dassault Rafale fighter jets, making Indonesia the first Southeast Asian nation to operate the aircraft. Additionally, the Navy has added new vessels, including the KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 and the KRI Canopus-936, which features submarine rescue capabilities.