Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 07:57 AM

Indonesian, French Rafales jets conduct refuelling exercise

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Walda Marison, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Rafale fighter jets operated by the Indonesian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force conducted air-to-air refueling exercises as part of the Mission Pegase 2026 joint exercise at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.

ANTARA reported fighter jets belonging to the Indonesian and French air forces taking off from the base, and shortly after, six fighter jets formed an escort around an Airbus A330 MRTT of French Air Force aircraft, a multi-role tanker capable of carrying up to 110 tons of fuel.

Of the six fighter jets trailing the Airbus, two moved in to approach the refueling nozzles located on the aircraft's left and right sides.

The six fighter jets and the Airbus were seen flying in formation, passing over Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base twice.

The French Air Force brought Rafale fighter jets and Airbus A400M transport aircraft to Jakarta as part of a stopover for Mission Pegase 2026 in Indonesia.

Four Rafale jets and two Airbus A400Ms, along with three Airbus A330 MRTT tankers, were seen parked on the apron at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Tuesday (September 22).

"We brought nine aircraft of three types, which we call a winning combination or a magic combination," Pegase 2026 Mission Commander Major General Julien Sabene told reporters.

Sabene explained that the stopover for Mission Pegase 2026 in Indonesia is scheduled for September 20–25, 2026. During this series of activities, Rafale and A400M aircraft from the French Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force will conduct joint exercises for the first time.

Indonesia received its first three Rafale aircraft in January 2026, while the first Airbus A400M arrived in November 2025, followed by a second unit in March 2026.

Sabene said Mission Pegase 2026 runs from September 8 to October 15, covering approximately 80 flight hours and a distance of 40,000 kilometers.

Before arriving in Jakarta, the Mission Pegase 2026 contingent, comprising around 270 aviators, completed a nine-hour flight from Japan.

Indonesia was chosen as a stopover because France considers the country a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Indonesia is a vital country and a must-visit destination in the Indo-Pacific region. That is why this is our fifth visit here, as Indonesia is at the center of gravity of the region. Furthermore, Indonesia now operates the same aircraft as we do, the Rafale," he remarked.

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a multi-role tanker aircraft with a fuel capacity of up to 110 tons, capable of refueling two fighter jets simultaneously in mid-air.

The aircraft can transport hundreds of passengers or dozens of tons of cargo over very long distances.

The Airbus A400M has a large payload capacity, allowing it to rapidly deploy personnel, cargo, and combat vehicles through assault landings or airdrops on challenging or austere airstrips.

Beyond logistics transport, the aircraft can conduct medical evacuations, refuel helicopters in flight, and support special forces and collaborative combat operations.

Meanwhile, the Rafale is a multirole fighter equipped with advanced sensors, the Scorpion helmet-mounted sight, and a collaborative combat system designed for operations in high-threat environments.

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