Inp.polri.go.id - Lombok. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle docked in Lombok on Saturday (1/1/2025) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and France.

Accompanied by senior military officials from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Navy , the minister toured the vessel, which included a review of its combat management system. 

"This visit will be followed up with procurement activities, including the purchase of 42 Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines," said Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, the TNI Head of the Defense Information Bureau, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The visit also marked agreements on various military cooperation, including technical training for maintenance personnel and French language courses. 

These will be conducted at the Military Academy in Magelang, Central java, involving personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, particularly those operating French-made defense equipment.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)