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

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has dispatched five T-50i Golden Eagle fighter aircraft from the 15th Air Squadron to take part in a multinational air exercise organised by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia, from 17 July to 7 August 2026.

According to a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, the aircraft and their pilots were seen off personally by the Commander of the Air Operations Command (Pangkoopsau), Air Marshal TNI Djoko Hadipurwanto, at Iswahjudi Air Base in Magetan Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (15/7).

Djoko said the event was one of the most prestigious combat training exercises, as it would be attended by 20 friendly nations.

He therefore urged TNI AU personnel to give their best performance at the event in order to bring honour to the nation.

Djoko also reminded the T-50i pilots to continue observing safety standards throughout the joint exercise.

“All personnel should use this exercise as a means to enhance their capabilities, broaden their horizons and enrich their experience in modern air operations, while continuing to prioritise security as well as flight and operational safety,” he said.

Through the exercise, he expressed hope that TNI AU’s standing in the eyes of the world would continue to rise, and that Indonesia’s bilateral relations with the participating nations would grow ever closer.