French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new defense pact on Wednesday that could lead to more orders of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
Macron, speaking in Jakarta, said the agreement opens doors for future deals on jets, submarines, and frigates. Prabowo praised France as a key partner in Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its military through joint production and tech sharing.
Indonesia had previously agreed to buy Rafale jets in 2022, with the first six expected to arrive in 2026. It also signed a deal for two French submarines in 2024 and purchased 13 French-made surveillance radars in 2023.
Beyond defense, the two countries signed over 20 cooperation agreements worth more than $11 billion. One key deal involves French mining company Eramet partnering with Indonesian sovereign wealth funds to develop the country’s nickel industry—essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Macron and Prabowo also discussed the ongoing Gaza conflict. Prabowo stated Indonesia would be open to recognizing Israel—only if Palestine is also recognized by Israel. Macron reiterated his support for a two-state solution.
Big French firms like Danone and TotalEnergies also signed agreements during the visit, as Macron continues his Southeast Asia tour with Singapore next on the agenda.
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At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
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