Indonesia's Air Force debuts Rafale and A400M jets in Independence Day flypast

Indonesia's Air Force showcased its latest acquisitions, four Dassault Rafale fighter jets and two Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft, in their inaugural flypast over the Merdeka Palace. The event occurred during the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's Independence on Monday (August 17).

The Rafale jets performed a 'High-G Turn' maneuver, demonstrating the proficiency of Indonesian Air Force pilots operating the new fleet. This acquisition took place while Prabowo Subianto served as the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto, along with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and former President Joko Widodo, observed the aerial display from the presidential palace.

The Rafale pilots executed the high-G maneuver, which involves sharp increases in gravitational force, multiple times. The aircraft flew low before ascending sharply at high speed. Following this, the four Rafale jets flew low past the presidential podium, escorting the two modern Airbus A400M transport planes, which were also procured during Prabowo's time as defense minister.

The aerial demonstration commenced with eight joint TNI-Polri helicopters flying low and unfurling a giant Indonesian flag in a 'Giant Flag Formation.' This was followed by a combined helicopter display, dubbed 'Nusantara Flight,' featuring various TNI and Polri helicopters. The formation carried the giant Merah Putih flag and the flag bearing the 81st anniversary logo, themed 'Indonesia Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous.' President Prabowo stood and waved as the 'Nusantara Flight' formation passed the presidential podium.