Indonesia Strengthens Air Defense Cooperation thru the Multinational Pitch Black 2026 Exercise

RRI.CO.ID, Darwin - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) fosters interoperability and air operation capabilities with international partners thru participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a multinational air exercise involving air forces from 20 countries in Darwin, Australia.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, directly reviewed the training implementation on Monday, August 3, 2026. In the exercise organized by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the Indonesian Air Force deployed five T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets from Squadron 15 along with supporting personnel.

"The participation of Air Squadron 15 in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is an opportunity to enrich operational experience, strengthen capabilities, and enhance personnel readiness to face various air operation scenarios in an international environment," Tonny Harjono said.

The Air Force Chief of Staff said that the multinational exercise provided important operational experience for TNI AU personnel thru various joint training scenarios involving partner countries.

He also appreciated the achievements of the TNI AU pilots during the training. According to him, the results demonstrate the personnel's ability to adapt and conduct air operations professionally in an international environment.

"Take advantage of every training opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of the Indonesian Air Force," he said.

Exercise Pitch Black is one of the largest multinational air exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. It is designed to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and air operation capabilities among participating countries.

Indonesia's participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 reflects the Indonesian Air Force's commitment to continuously enhance personnel professionalism, strengthen defense cooperation with partner countries, and improve readiness to face security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.