Indonesia has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets, according to French Defense Minister Florence Parly, who is now visiting the Asian country. In a tweet, she stated, "It's official: Indonesia orders 42 Rafales." The aircraft's manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, said the agreement was the start of a long-term cooperation that would allow it to rapidly expand its presence in Indonesia. The agreement comes as Paris aims to strengthen its geopolitical relations in the Indo-Pacific in response to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia forming a new strategic alliance.

Key Points

• Indonesia has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets, according to French Defense Minister Florence Parly, who is now visiting the Asian country.

•  In a tweet, she stated, "It's official: Indonesia orders 42 Rafales."