Common Ground Found in Common Skies

The Royal Australian Air Force deployed six F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 77 Squadron, 150 personnel and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport to Indonesia for Exercise Elang Ausindo 2025 in August.

Elang Ausindo is a bilateral air combat exercise between the RAAF’s F-35A Lightning II and the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI-AU) F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The exercise opened on August 21 with a patch ceremony between RAAF and TNI-AU fast-jet pilots and a welcoming address from TNI-AU Air Force Base Commander Roesmin Nurjadin, Marsekal Pertama (Marsma) TNI Abdul Haris.

Marsma TNI Abdul Haris said the exercise was a significant platform for developing tactical and aerial manoeuvring techniques, and as a means to enhance capabilities and professionalism between RAAF and TNI-AU.

“More than that, this exercise is a symbol of friendship, solidarity and commitment of both nations to continue strengthening cooperative relations in the field of defence,” Marsma TNI Abdul Haris said.

Conducted at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Elang Ausindo enhanced interoperability and relationships between the two air forces on a strategic and tactical level while conducting F-35A activities in a non-US supported international environment.

    'Through this exercise, we not only hone our technical skills but build trust, strengthen brotherhood and lay the foundation for future cooperation.'

Australian Defence Attaché Brigadier Micah Batt said the ADF was grateful to the Indonesian Defence Force for hosting the exercise.  

“It’s been 32 years since we’ve conducted Exercise Elang Ausindo here in Sumatra and this is the first time that we’ve conducted it here in Pekanbaru,” Brigadier Batt said.

“In 1993 we were very grateful to be hosted by TNI-AU in Sumatra and since then we’ve worked in various locations across the Indonesian Archipelago. It's terrific to be back for this year’s exercise.”

During Elang Ausindo, personnel from both countries planned and executed air combat exercise missions including offensive and defensive counter air missions, basic fighter manoeuvres and air combat manoeuvres. Air-to-air refuelling missions of F-35A and F-16 aircraft by a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport from 33 Squadron were also conducted. 

“Through this exercise, we not only hone our technical skills but build trust, strengthen brotherhood and lay the foundation for future cooperation,” Marsma TNI Abdul Haris said.

“It’s important to reflect on these common bonds and to build a common focus to strengthen the security of our region. Exercise Elang Ausindo is a tangible example of that closer operation of two partners working closely together for our common security interests.”

Exercise Elang Ausindo is one of a series of air cooperation exercises with Indonesia and demonstrates the commitment between Australia and Indonesia in developing cooperative air combat procedures.