Air Force Chief Urges TNI AU Pilots to Sharpen Combat Skills at Pitch Black 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) — Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU), Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, has called on the Air Force’s fighter pilots taking part in the joint training exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia to continue strengthening their combat capabilities.
“This event is an opportunity to enrich operational experience, strengthen capabilities, and enhance personnel readiness in facing various air operation scenarios in an international environment,” said Tonny during a visit to his aviators in Australia on Monday (3/8), as quoted from an official Indonesian Air Force press release received on Tuesday.
According to Tonny, the exercise gives fighter pilots the chance to learn combat techniques as well as the sophistication of aircraft from the countries participating in the training.
He added that this range of knowledge is expected to serve as a learning opportunity for Air Force pilots to sharpen their combat skills.
“The participation of the Indonesian Air Force reflects a commitment to continuously building professionalism, improving air operation capabilities, and strengthening readiness to face the ever-evolving dynamics of the strategic environment,” he said, as quoted from the press release.
Beyond capability enhancement, he said the event is also useful for deepening bilateral relations between the Indonesian Air Force and Australia as well as other participating countries.
Therefore, through this agenda, Tonny hopes that his fighter pilots’ capabilities will continue to improve and that bilateral ties with friendly nations will grow ever stronger.
Earlier, the Indonesian Air Force dispatched four T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets to take part in the multinational Pitch Black 2026 exercise in Australia, which began on 20 July 2026.
“The arrival of these fighter jets is in the framework of taking part in the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. Tomorrow they will depart,” he said.
In addition to the four T-50i fighter jets, the Indonesian Air Force also deployed one C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
According to the official release from the Australian Government, Exercise Pitch Black 2026 will take place from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
Somad said the Indonesian Air Force’s participation in the exercise forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and enhance the collective capabilities of the participating countries’ air forces.
He added that Indonesian Air Force pilots will take part in various training scenarios, including fighter aircraft manoeuvres alongside participants from other nations.