Australia, Indonesia strengthen defence ties during air combat exercise

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will be deploying six F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Indonesia for the first time, as part of Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23, Report informs, citing the Australian Department of Defence.

Held at Manado in North Sulawesi from September 18 to 28, 2023, Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23 involves 150 RAAF personnel training alongside 160 Indonesian personnel. The Indonesian Air Force will deploy F-16 fighter aircraft for the air combat mission.

Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, Air Commander Australia, said the exercise marks the first time Australia has deployed the F-35A to Indonesia.

“Exercise Elang AUSINDO is a regular combined training activity to increase our capacity to work together,” Air Vice-Marshal Braz said.

“Through this exercise we can build mutual cooperation, trust and understanding, both at the aviator-level and more broadly between the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian National Armed Forces.

“We are fully committed to a strong bilateral partnership with Indonesia; this important exercise allows our air forces to develop deeper relationships and enhance cooperation.”

Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23 will see Australian and Indonesian personnel plan and execute air combat exercise missions including offensive and defensive counter air missions; basic fighter manoeuvres and air combat manoeuvres and air-to-air refuelling with a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

First held in 1993, Exercise Elang AUISINDO is part of a series of air cooperation exercises with Indonesia that includes Albatross AUSINDO (for maritime surveillance) and Rajawali AUSINDO (for tactical airlift).