Jakarta, August 6, 2026 – The Europe Today: The chiefs of the Indonesian and Australian air forces conducted a joint formation flight over Darwin, Australia, on Tuesday as part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, underscoring the close defence partnership and growing operational interoperability between the two countries.
Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono flew alongside Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell during the symbolic flight over Australia’s Northern Territory.
Air Marshal Tonny participated as a passenger aboard a TNI AU T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jet piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Kurniadi Sukmo Djatmiko, Commander of Air Squadron 15, while Air Marshal Chappell flew in a parallel RAAF F/A-18 Hornet.
Defence officials confirmed that the formation flight was carried out in accordance with all safety protocols and concluded successfully without any incident.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, Air Marshal Tonny described the joint flight as a powerful symbol of the longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and operational cooperation between the Indonesian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
He said the exercise reflects both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening regional security, enhancing defence cooperation, and improving strategic interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The joint flight formed part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, Australia’s premier multinational air combat training exercise, being held from July 20 to August 7. The biennial exercise has brought together military aircraft and personnel from 20 participating countries to conduct complex air combat and joint operational training.
Indonesia deployed four T-50i Golden Eagle fighter aircraft and one C-130 Hercules transport aircraft for the exercise. The Indonesian contingent departed from El Tari Air Base in Kupang on July 16 under the command of Air Marshal Somad.
Throughout the three-week exercise, Indonesian personnel have participated in a series of tactical missions and operational scenarios alongside allied air forces.
According to Air Marshal Somad, participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 provides Indonesian fighter pilots with valuable opportunities to enhance their operational capabilities through joint tactical training, advanced aerial manoeuvres, and coordinated strategic missions with international air defence partners.
