Indonesia reconsiders Rafale jet deal after reported losses in India-Pakistan clash Photo

Indonesia is reviewing its $8.1 billion agreement to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets from France following reports that three Indian Rafales were downed by Pakistan's J-10C aircraft earlier this month.

Officials within Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence are re-evaluating the operational reliability of the French-made jets, Caliber.Az reports, citing Defence Turk.

🔵🇮🇩Endonezya'nın 🇫🇷Rafale savaş uçağı siparişi sallantıda

🔸Endonezya'nın Fransa'dan 42 adet Rafale savaş uçağı satın almak için yaptığı 8,1 milyar Dolar değerindeki iddialı anlaşma, uçağın 🇮🇳Hindistan-🇵🇰Pakistan arasındaki çatışmalarda gösterdiği düşük performans sonrası iptal… pic.twitter.com/P4BL4z7QbU

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) May 20, 2025

While no official changes have been made to the deal, and deliveries are still expected to commence in early 2026, the reports have sparked unease within Indonesia’s defence community. The Rafale acquisition is seen as a cornerstone of the country's efforts to modernise its air force and enhance regional deterrence.

As a reminder, on May 7, 2025, during escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, Pakistani J-10C fighter jets, equipped with Chinese-made PL-15E air-to-air missiles, reportedly shot down five Indian Air Force aircraft, including three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, and one Su-30MKI.

This marks the first confirmed combat loss of a Rafale fighter jet, a significant event given its status as a cornerstone of India's aerial defence strategy. The engagement occurred during India's Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan following a deadly attack in Indian Kashmir.

Pakistan's swift aerial response, utilising advanced Chinese military technology, has drawn global attention and raised concerns about the shifting balance of air power in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev