Indonesian Air Force Trains Rafale Pilots in France

Indonesian Air Force pilots slated to operate the newly acquired Dassault Rafale fighter jets have been undergoing training in France since 2025, according to Air Commodore Nyoman Suadnyana. After initial instruction abroad, the training continues domestically at Air Wing 3.1 Group 3 Combat at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, with the aim of creating a cadre of instructors for future crews. The Rafale acquisition, part of a broader defence package that also includes Falcon 8X business jets and an Airbus A400M transport, was handed over by President Prabowo Subianto on 18 May 2026. The training program is presented as a key element of the Indonesian Air Force’s effort to raise professional standards for operating the advanced 4.5‑generation aircraft.