Jakarta, Sept. 23 -- The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) will receive another batch of 18 French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets in stages starting next year, with full delivery expected by 2029, officials announced Wednesday.

"Next year, we will see the arrival of another 18 aircraft in stages-phased deliveries continuing up to an estimated completion in 2029," Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.

While Rizalihadi did not disclose the precise timeline for the upcoming deliveries, he confirmed that the Air Force has established adequate facilities to operate and maintain the advanced multirole fighters.

He pointed to the successful deployment of initial ...