RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Pilots of the T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) conducted Dissimilar Basic Fighter Maneuver (DBFM) training. It is as part of the multinational Pitch Black 2026 air exercise taking place in the airspace of Darwin, Australia, on Monday, July 20, 2026.

The DBFM exercise is one of the stages in the Air Maneuver Exercise (AMX) aimed at enhancing air combat capabilities. Even, it simultaneously strengthens interoperability among the air forces of the participating nations.

In the exercise, the TNI AU pilots studied the characteristics, capabilities, and performance of various fighter jets operated by the participating countries. They also delved into flight procedures, communication, and operational protocols in the Darwin airspace as preparation for facing more complex training scenarios.

Based on the press release received by RRI on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the DBFM exercise is part of the Force Integration Training (FIT) that brings together various types of combat aircraft in a single training scenario. On that occasion, TNI AU T-50i Golden Eagle pilots trained alongside F-16D pilots from the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and F-35A pilots from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

This training phase is considered important for building tactical understanding, enhancing coordination, and strengthening interoperability among participants before entering a series of more complex air exercises during Pitch Black 2026.

The participation of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) in the multinational exercise is part of efforts to enhance the capabilities, professionalism, and readiness of pilots in facing various air operation challenges. Additionally, this participation also strengthens defense cooperation and interoperability with the air forces of friendly countries.