Dassault Rafale Could be the Best Choice for the Indonesian Air Force
Although might not be a game-changer, Dassault Rafale has some cutting-edge capabilities that could bolster the Air Force’s deterrence effect.
In February 2021, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto announced the procurement of 36 units of the French Dassault Rafale. It is a part of the ambitious proposed hardware over the next four years, including Boeing F-15EX, C-130J Super Hercules, and Airbus A330MRTT. This omnirole (French for “multirole”) jet fighter is expected to replace the aging F-5EF Tiger IIs that have been retired since 2016. Subsequently, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, signed the letter of intent on June 20, 2021, on her visit to Jakarta.
The order seems to be on a positive track, although the funding is still unclear, given the lack of endorsement from the Indonesian Ministry for National Development Planning (Bappenas). While in 2017, the government had reached a deal with Russia on the Sukhoi Su-35, the procurement was hampered by payment complexity and the looming concerns of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Also, considering the attempt to develop a balanced strategic relationship between the West and China in both the defense and economic sectors, Jakarta is shifting its choice to Western jet fighters instead.
Today, the Indonesian Air Force is suffering from an air superiority crisis due to the low number of combat-capable aircraft and a lack of interoperability features among them. It possesses only a handful of 49 multirole and air superiority fighters, comprising 33 F-16A/B and C/D Fighting Falcons and 16 Sukhoi Su-27/30. With more than five million square kilometers of airspace to guard, the number of jet fighters seems to be inadequate, compared to Singapore, with 100 fighters, or Vietnam, with more than 70. Along with the increase in incursion risk from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and numerous experiences of airspace violations by Australia and Singapore, the need to build up the Air Force’s air superiority capability has become more apparent.
Although it might not be a game-changer amidst the surge of regional volatility in the Asia-Pacific, the Dassault Rafale could be the best choice for the Indonesian Air Force due to its cutting-edge capabilities. The jet is fitted with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) features and may operate numerous long-range missiles. The Meteor is one of the latest missiles that is integrated with the Rafale and has an operational range of more than 100 kilometers. Combined with the Thales RBE2 AESA radar that could detect multiple targets from more than 200 kilometers away, the missile also offers a multi-shot capability that may hit multiple targets.
To enhance its air supremacy role, the Dassault Rafale is fitted with multiple active and passive sensors, including the Optronique Secteur Frontal. It enables the fighter to detect any adversary aircraft by utilizing a broad range of wavelengths, from visible to infrared and can increase the operational range of beyond-visual-range infrared missiles, such as MICA. Furthermore, it is advantageous to detect the latest generation of stealth fighters that are almost invisible on the radar. Rafale is also powered by a pair of Snecma M-88 afterburner turbofans with a “supercruise” feature, meaning it can reach supersonic speed without consuming excessive amounts of fuel, ultimately expanding its combat range.
Moreover, its promising multi-mission role could reduce the gap between the air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force. The Rafale’s ground combat capability may increase the country’s leverage in dealing with maritime threats. Given China’s previous naval incursions into Indonesia’s Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) by massing warships and marine militias, the Exocet anti-ship missile may dissuade the Chinese.
Although those features make Rafale frequently regarded as one of the most advanced 4.5-generation jet fighters, Indonesian authorities should pay attention to the staggering Rafale’s operational cost. In comparison to the F-16 Viper’s estimated US $7,000 per hour operating cost, Rafale’s operating cost is projected to be US$16,500 per hour. Therefore, the Rafale procurement plan must be a catalyst to transform the budgetary management in Indonesia’s defense sector to maintain the airworthiness of this lavish jet fighter. In 2020, the Indonesian Air Force was only allocated no more than 15% of the total defense budget, meaning it received no more than US$1.4 billion per year to cover the overall cost.
Further strategic deals with France need to be solicited to get cheaper access to technology transfer and advanced weaponry. While Indonesia is still facing numerous strategic threats, the country must manage strategic partnerships with the great powers. Not only to gain access to military hardware per se but also to foster its political leverage and regional centrality.
