Indonesian and French fighter jets conduct mid-air refuelling simulations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Rafale fighter jets from the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the French Air and Space Force conducted air-to-air refuelling exercises as part of the Pegase Mission 2026 at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.

During observations at the South Terminal of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, three fighter jets from the Indonesian and French Air Forces were seen taking off. Shortly after takeoff, six fighter jets formed a formation to escort a French Air Force aircraft, an Airbus A330 MRTT, which is a multi-role aircraft capable of carrying up to 110 tonnes of fuel.

From the six fighter jets trailing the Airbus, two approached the refuelling nozzles located on the left and right sides. The formation of six fighter jets and one Airbus aircraft flew over Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base twice during the exercise. The manoeuvres between the Indonesian and French aircraft under the Pegase Mission are ongoing.

The French Air Force brought Rafale fighter jets and Airbus A400M transport aircraft to Jakarta as part of the Pegase Mission 2026 stopover in Indonesia. Four Rafale jets, two Airbus A400Ms, and three Airbus A330 MRTT tankers were seen parked at the apron of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on Tuesday.