KBRN, Dabo Singkep: Two F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters from the Indonesian Air Force’s 16th Air Squadron carried out a Close Air Support (CAS) mission. The activity is to pave the way for amphibious operations during the Multinational Joint Exercise Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2025 in Dabo Singkep on Tuesday (2/9/2025).

The presence of Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) air assets played a decisive role in ensuring air superiority and providing protection for naval units and landing forces.

In this mission, TNI AU’s F-16s operated alongside four F-35 Lightning II fighters from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a Boeing 737 maritime patrol aircraft from TNI AU, and the U.S. Navy’s P-8 Poseidon. This cross-national collaboration demonstrated the synergy of multinational air power in securing the amphibious exercise

F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters. (Photo:Indonesian Air Force)

CAS operations require high precision to ensure air strikes effectively neutralize targets without endangering friendly troops. With full support from Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, including the TNI AU Boeing 737-200 and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) P-8 Poseidon, the mission successfully secured the safe and controlled landing of amphibious forces.

Air superiority established by the TNI AU’s 16th Air Squadron F-16s was a key enabler and determinant of operational success.

Once air superiority was achieved, naval forces, including Indonesia’s warship (KRI) John Lie-358 and KRI Makassar-590, the USS John Finn, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) JS Osumi, moved in to conduct landing maneuvers.

The presence of these multinational naval assets underscored that amphibious operations can only be executed effectively once full air protection is established by the Indonesian Air Force and its partners.

The performance of TNI AU’s F-16s in this operation reaffirmed the strategic role of the Indonesian Air Force as the frontline of air power, embodying the values of AMPUH (Adaptive, Modern, Professional, Excellent, and Humanist), as emphasized by Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Marshal M. Tonny Harjono.

TNI AU’s participation in SGS 2025 reflects readiness for joint operations across multiple domains and a strong commitment to strengthening Indo-Pacific regional security and stability.