Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto continues to make large-scale investments in Indonesia's primary weaponry systems (alutsista), a policy consistent with his tenure as Minister of Defense from 2019 to 2024.
According to Tempo's report on October 23, 2025, Prabowo has strategically used defense procurement as a high-level diplomatic tool.
Indonesia currently maintains active contracts with the United States, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the Netherlands, while also expanding defense ties with Turkey and China.
Massive defense spending in first year
In his first year as president, Prabowo has allocated massive funds for new military equipment.
A study by the Indonesia 2045 Laboratory (Lab45) revealed that Indonesia has acquired at least four major types of weaponry: the Chinese J-10 fighter jets worth Rp6.49 trillion, the Turkish KAAN fighter jets valued at Rp19.86 trillion, the Turkish I-Class frigates worth Rp18.21 trillion, and the Italian-made Garibaldi aircraft carrier with a contract value of Rp7.45 trillion.
Prabowo's defense spending shows no signs of slowing down. Several additional procurement contracts are being prepared, with new equipment expected to arrive for all branches of the Indonesian Armed Forces in the coming years.
Rafale fighter jets to arrive in 2026
Among the upcoming deliveries are Rafale fighter jets from France. Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono said three Rafales are expected to arrive in early 2026.
"The plan is for the first batch of three aircraft to arrive in February or March 2026," he said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Indonesia has ordered a total of 42 Rafale aircraft from France's Dassault Aviation, with the second batch expected to arrive in April 2026.
Potential purchase of Black Hawk helicopters
Most recently, under Prabowo's leadership, Indonesia has opened discussions to purchase Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States.
However, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the government is still assessing the proposal for these multi-mission helicopters.
Indonesia previously signed a cooperation agreement for the procurement of the Black Hawk helicopters between PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Sikorsky in August 2023 in Washington, D.C.
The signing was witnessed by Prabowo, who at the time was Defense Minister, along with Rosan Roeslani, then Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. Indonesia plans to acquire 24 units of the GFA Black Hawk helicopters.
– Dani Aswara contributed to the writing of this article.