Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Air Force Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono urged fighter pilots taking part in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia to strengthen their combat capabilities.
The drills would improve operational readiness and deepen international defense cooperation, he said during a visit to Indonesian Air Force personnel in Australia on Monday, August 3.
According to an official Air Force statement released on Tuesday, the exercise offered valuable operational experience, enabling pilots to enhance combat skills and prepare for a broad range of air operation scenarios in an international environment.
Tonny said Indonesian pilots would also gain exposure to advanced combat tactics and aircraft technologies used by other participating air forces.
The experience comes through joint training and simulated aerial combat maneuvers conducted with pilots from participating countries throughout the exercise.
He said the knowledge gained should help Indonesian fighter pilots further improve their combat proficiency and operational effectiveness.
Indonesia’s participation reflects the Air Force’s commitment to strengthening professionalism, enhancing air operations capability, and maintaining readiness amid an evolving strategic environment, Tonny said.
He added the exercise would also reinforce bilateral defense ties between the Indonesian and Australian air forces while strengthening cooperation with other participating nations.
Tonny expressed hope the program would further improve the capabilities of Indonesian fighter pilots and expand defense partnerships with friendly countries.
Indonesia previously deployed four T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets to Exercise Pitch Black 2026, which began in Australia on July 20.
Air Commodore Somad, commander of El Tari Air Force Base in Kupang, said on July 15 that the four aircraft were scheduled to depart for Australia on July 16.
“The aircraft are being deployed to participate in Exercise Pitch Black in Australia. They will depart tomorrow,” Somad said at the time.
In addition to the four T-50i fighter jets, the Indonesian Air Force also deployed one C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to support the mission.
According to the Australian government’s official release, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 runs from July 20 to Aug. 7.
Somad said Indonesia’s participation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen defense cooperation and enhance interoperability with the air forces of participating countries.
He said Indonesian pilots would take part in a range of training scenarios, including joint fighter maneuvers alongside aircrews from other participating nations.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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