Indonesian Air Force deploys five T-50i jets for joint exercise in Australia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force has deployed five T-50i Golden Eagle fighter aircraft from Air Squadron 15 to take part in a multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia, from 17 July to 7 August 2026. In a statement received on Friday, it was explained that the aircraft and their pilots were dispatched by the Commander of Air Operations Command, Air Marshal TNI Djoko Hadipurwanto, at Iswahjudi Air Force Base, Magetan Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (15/7). Djoko stated that the event is one of the most prestigious combat training exercises, as it is attended by 20 friendly nations. Therefore, the Indonesian Air Force personnel must deliver their best performance in the event to bring honour to the nation. The T-50i pilots were also reminded by Djoko to always observe safety standards during the joint exercise. “All personnel should use the exercise as a means to increase capacity, broaden horizons, and enrich experience in modern air operations, while prioritising security and flight and work safety,” he said. Through this exercise, he hopes that the Indonesian Air Force’s standing on the global stage will continue to rise and that bilateral relations between Indonesia and the participating countries will grow closer.