Shifting Sands: Indonesia’s Transition to French Defence Technology and Expertise
Journal: International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies
Year: 2026

Over the past three years, Indonesia has shifted its defence industry cooperation partners and defence technology producers to France. Indonesia agreed to purchase Rafale F4 fighter jets and Scorpene Evolved submarines from France. The procurement of Rafale F4 fighter jets represents Indonesia’s largest ever acquisition of fighter jets to date and the first purchase from France. The acquisition of Scorpene Evolved submarines marks the ending of Indonesia’s procurement of the U-209 class, which h