Indonesia has reportedly suspended its US$8.1 billion deal for French-made Rafale fighter jets following Pakistan’s claim that it successfully shot down three of the same aircraft operated by India, according to a report by military news outlet Top War.
On May 7, the Pakistan military announced that it had downed five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, during an aerial engagement. The incident reportedly involved the use of Chinese-made J-10C fighters armed with advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
Later, CNN, citing a senior French intelligence official who requested anonymity, confirmed that at least one Indian Rafale had been shot down. This marks the first confirmed combat loss of the French-manufactured warplane, which has been widely regarded for its advanced capabilities.
The incident has raised serious concerns in Indonesia, which last year signed a contract to procure 42 Rafale jets from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation. The first batch of six aircraft was scheduled for delivery between February and March.
However, according to Spanish defense publication Galaxia Militar, the Indonesian government has now halted the acquisition. The publication noted that “the contract could be jeopardized by growing concerns over the Rafale’s performance in recent combat scenarios,” suggesting the aircraft’s reputation may be in decline.
Following the reports of Rafales being downed, Dassault’s stock value dropped by nearly 10% over five trading days. Analysts warn that this development could prompt other prospective buyers to reevaluate their procurement plans for the Rafale platform.
