Indonesia France rafale deal: The US has always tried to push the boundaries in the realm of defence, eyeing the dream of global dominance in the arms race. But, here comes a shift of power. Guess who is taking the spot? It’s France. Yes, you read that.
It is no secret, for years the US has remained at the forefront of innovation. A leader in cutting-edge weaponry and military hardware. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in power. France is emerging as a new force to be reckoned with. According to La Tribune, citing procurement sources, Indonesia is seeking to acquire 18 extra Rafale fighter jets from France in a $2.3 billion agreement.
In the Indonesia France rafale deal the order is part of a larger purchase of 42 aircraft by Jakarta to modernise its air force. According to the article, the Southeast Asian country has already obtained funds for the additional Rafales as well as the air-to-air missiles that will be installed on them. The agreement could be formalised during Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming trip to Paris. The order for the final batch of 18 Rafale combat jets is also likely in the coming months.
Prabowo inked a $1.1 billion contract in September 2022 for the delivery of six Rafales.
Indonesia’s military deals
Now, let’s take you back to the 10th of February when within 24 hours billions worth of purchases by the Indonesian Defense Ministry of Western fighter jets were announced under two major contracts. The first was a $8.1 billion agreement for 42 French Rafale twin-engine lightweight fighter jets, and the second was a $13.9 billion purchase for 36 American F-15 Eagle heavyweight fighters.
The Indonesian acquisitions of new squadrons indicates Indonesia’s intentions of expanding the country’s fleet. And whom did Indonesia eye as a potential supplier? France and the US. But, the Indonesia France rafale deal to acquire an extra fleet of 18 Rafale jets from France insinuates something.
Read More: Australia cancels out the ‘AUKUS’ deal
The news that Indonesia has asked France for an additional 18 Rafale jets is a silent but strong statement to the globe, marking a shift in power away from the US and towards a new era of global balance. The courageous decision by Indonesia opens a new chapter in international relations, indicating governments’ rising confidence in deviating from the US’s conventional order of superiority.
If you remember clearly, one year ago, Uncle Joe gave Emmanuel Macron a major blow when he persuaded Australia to cancel its submarine deal with France. The new deal came to be known as ‘AUKUS’, where the US and UK vowed to fulfil Australia’s nuclear submarine needs.
US losing its clout to France
Since then, a lot has changed for both the countries. France is not a fan of American diplomacy anymore and appears to be turning rogue. Macron is destroying American Military hegemony brick-by-brick and Biden is simply scratching his head. Since France got sidelined from AUKUS, the country has signed deals with many countries like the UAE, India, and various European countries.
This power shift has not gone unnoticed, with military experts and politicians alike seeing France’s growing prominence in the global arms market. The once-mighty United States appears to have lost its edge in this critical sector, as France climbs to take its position as a leader in military technology.
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