October 26, 2025 | 04:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, 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.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo, Other ASEAN Leaders to Sign Timor Leste Entry as 11th ASEAN Member
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia's Prabowo Mourns the Passing of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit
34 menit lalu
President Prabowo condoled the passing of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Prabowo, Other ASEAN Leaders to Sign Timor Leste Entry as 11th ASEAN Member
5 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto and other ASEAN member state leaders will sign the acceptance of Timor Leste as the 11th ASEAN member in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Madagascar Strips Ousted President Andry Rajoelina of Citizenship
5 jam lalu
The military regime of Madagascar revokes the citizenship of former President Andry Rajoelina a few days after he was overthrown
Fadli Zon: The President Has Many Eyes and Ears
6 jam lalu
Indonesian Minister of Culture Fadli Zon responds to the turmoil in Prabowo's administration--and his own controversial remarks.
Indonesian Lawmaker Says Schools Should Teach Mandarin Instead of Portuguese
20 jam lalu
A Member of the House of Representatives, Bonnie Triyana, expressed concerns over the introduction of the Portuguese language into the Indonesian education system.
Former TNI Chief Reveals Reasons Indonesia Has No Mandatory Military Service
21 jam lalu
There are several factors that need to be considered when enforcing mandatory military service, including recruitment, training, and maintenance.
Celios Survey Finds Public Dissatisfied with Prabowo-Gibran's First Year in Office
22 jam lalu
The public is more disappointed with Prabowo-Gibran than during their first 100 days in office.
Why Prabowo Has Not Replaced the Police Chief and Attorney General
1 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto keeps the Police Chief and Attorney General in office for their 'contributions.' Both are expected to be replaced in January 2026.
Politicization of Corruption Cases in the Police and Prosecutor's Office
1 hari lalu
The AGO and the National Police's probes often end without resolution. They are accused of failing to expose the main culprits in corruption cases.
One Year into Prabowo's Term, CISDI Says Free Meal Program Falls Short of Nutrition Standards
1 hari lalu
CISDI has assessed several priority programs under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the health sector and found that they require significant improvement.
