Rafale soars high after India success

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 27, marking the second stop of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which also includes Vietnam and Singapore. The visit is part of France's broader effort to position itself as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region.

On May 28, following bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and senior ministers, Macron announced the signing of a letter of intent aimed at deepening defense cooperation between the two countries. The preliminary agreement could lead to further Indonesian orders of French-made military hardware, including Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene submarines, and light frigates.

“I am delighted that the letter of intent signed today could open up a new perspective with new orders for Rafales, Scorpenes, and light frigates,” Macron said at a joint press conference with Indonesian Defense Minister General Prabowo Subianto.

Indonesian officials had indicated the agreement a day earlier. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters on May 27 that the upcoming deal would focus on enhancing Indonesia-France military ties, particularly in strategic weapons systems.

Indonesia, which has historically relied on Russian aircraft, began shifting its procurement strategy in 2022 by signing an $8.1 billion defense deal that included 42 Rafale jets. The following year, it announced plans to acquire 13 long-range air surveillance radars from French defense firm Thales and, in 2024, two Scorpene submarines from the state-owned Naval Group—signaling a growing defense alignment with France.

The French delegation also includes Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier, who is expected to hold further discussions with Indonesian leadership on expanding arms cooperation.

Earlier this month, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that Indonesia’s procurement of Rafale jets had come under scrutiny after Pakistan claimed to have shot down three of the same aircraft used by India. However, sources say Pakistan intercepted and destroyed three dummy Rafale jets that were deployed as part of India’s strategic decoy maneuver. Notably, India is said to have downed atleast 8 Pakistani jets including American F16, Chinese JF 17. 

Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation shares also registered a 3.6% climb indicative of a Rafale success.