Australian and Indonesian fighter jets shared the skies over Sumatra final month because the RAAF deployed six F-35A Lightning II plane, a KC-30A MRTT and 150 personnel to Pekanbaru for Train Elang Ausindo 2025.
The bilateral train, which pairs the RAAF’s fifth-generation F-35A fighters with the Indonesian Air Power’s (TNI-AU) F-16 Combating Falcons, formally opened on 21 August with a patch-exchange ceremony between pilots and a welcoming deal with by Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base Commander, Air First Marshal (Marsma) Abdul Haris.
Marsma Haris advised members the exercise was about excess of tactical manoeuvres and aerial expertise.
“Greater than that, this train is a logo of friendship, solidarity and dedication of each nations to proceed strengthening cooperative relations within the area of defence,” he mentioned.
For Australia, it was a return to acquainted territory. Defence Attaché Brigadier Micah Batt famous it had been 32 years since Elang Ausindo was final carried out in Sumatra, and the primary time it had been staged in Pekanbaru.
“In 1993 we had been very grateful to be hosted by TNI-AU in Sumatra, and since then we’ve labored in varied areas throughout the Indonesian archipelago. It’s terrific to be again for this yr’s train,” Brigadier Batt mentioned.
Over the course of the exercise, pilots from each nations deliberate and flew a collection of missions together with offensive and defensive counter-air, fundamental fighter manoeuvres and dogfighting drills. Air-to-air refuelling was additionally a function, with the RAAF’s KC-30A offering gas to each F-35As and F-16s in mid-air, a sensible check of interoperability between the 2 forces.
The train gave the RAAF an vital alternative to function its latest fighters in a regional surroundings with out direct US assist, whereas providing the TNI-AU helpful publicity to fifth-generation plane ways.
“By means of this train, we not solely hone our technical expertise however construct belief, strengthen brotherhood and lay the muse for future cooperation,” Marsma Haris mentioned.
“It’s vital to mirror on these frequent bonds and to construct a typical focus to strengthen the safety of our area. Train Elang Ausindo is a tangible instance of that — two companions working intently collectively for our frequent safety pursuits.”
A part of a long-running collection of bilateral air co-operation actions, Elang Ausindo has grow to be a key fixture within the Australia-Indonesia defence relationship.
