The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is deploying six F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Indonesia for the first time, as part of Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23.
Held at Manado in North Sulawesi from 18 to 28 September 23, Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23 involves 150 RAAF personnel training alongside 160 Indonesian personnel. The Indonesian Air Force will deploy F-16 fighter aircraft for the air combat mission.
“Exercise Elang AUSINDO is a regular combined training activity to increase our capacity to work together,” said Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, Air Commander Australia.
“Through this exercise we can build mutual cooperation, trust and understanding, both at the aviator-level and more broadly between the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian National Armed Forces."
Exercise Elang AUSINDO 23 will see Australian and Indonesian personnel plan and execute air combat exercise missions including offensive and defensive counter air missions; basic fighter manoeuvres and air combat manoeuvres and air-to-air refuelling with a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
First held in 1993, Exercise Elang AUISINDO is part of a series of air cooperation exercises with Indonesia that includes Albatross AUSINDO (for maritime surveillance) and Rajawali AUSINDO (for tactical airlift).