Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Air Force has received two South Korean-made T-50i trainer jets, part of a six-aircraft purchase, as Jakarta continues to modernize its fleet following the arrival of three French Rafale fighters in January.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait said the two T-50i aircraft were delivered by air cargo from South Korea and are being assembled at Iswahjudi Air Base in Madiun, East Java.
The aircraft are part of a contract for six new T-50i advanced jet trainers ordered from South Korea to strengthen the Air Force’s pilot training and light combat capabilities.
Sirait also responded to viral social media videos showing aircraft components transported separately on trucks to the air base, some covered in black protective sheeting.
He said the delivery method complied with applicable standards and would not affect the aircraft’s quality or operational performance.
“We emphasize that all logistics and transfers of defense equipment are conducted through official, secure mechanisms in accordance with prevailing regulations,” he said.
He added that the arrival of the two T-50i jets would further bolster Indonesia’s air defense capabilities.
The T-50i will serve as a lead-in fighter trainer, and Indonesia already operates earlier models of the aircraft with the 15th Air Squadron, based at Iswahjudi Air Base in East Java.
In January 2026, Indonesia also received three Rafale fighter jets from France, marking the first batch of 42 aircraft ordered from Dassault Aviation.
The Air Force is already able to operate the three Rafales delivered in the final week of January. However, Sirait did not specify when the second and third batches are expected to arrive.
ANTARA noted that the induction of the Rafales, alongside the new T-50i trainers, is expected to significantly enhance the Air Force’s ability to safeguard Indonesia’s airspace.
In addition to strengthening major weapons systems for the Air Force, the Indonesian government is also working to reinforce its Army and Navy capabilities.
As part of efforts to bolster naval forces, Indonesia has purchased several new warships.
It has also expressed interest in acquiring the Italian-built aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.
In this regard, Indonesia’s Navy chief said earlier that the country’s first aircraft carrier, the Italy-built Giuseppe Garibaldi, is expected to arrive before the military’s anniversary on Oct. 5, 2026, as acquisition talks with Italian parties continue.
Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali said the vessel remains in the acquisition process and is targeted to reach Indonesia before the Indonesian Military’s anniversary.
“For Garibaldi, it is still in process. We hope it can arrive in Indonesia before the TNI anniversary,” Ali said, adding that the government, through the Defense Ministry, is still negotiating with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which built the Giuseppe Garibaldi.
