RRI.CO.ID, Australia - Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) pilots continue to enhance their readiness for modern air operations through Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT) training as part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, which is taking place in the airspace of Darwin, Australia. The exercise is part of efforts to strengthen combat capabilities while also enhancing interoperability with the air forces of friendly countries.

According to a press release from the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Dispenau) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, DACT is a method of air combat training that brings together fighter jets with different characteristics. Through these scenarios, pilots are trained to face opponents with varying radar capabilities, flight performance, and weapon systems in realistic combat simulations.

This exercise is designed to build personnel readiness in facing the increasingly complex dynamics of modern air operations. Various scenarios are applied to test the tactical abilities of pilots in responding to threats in a dynamic combat environment.

During the training, the TNI AU pilots honed their aerial maneuvering skills, quick decision-making, inter-aircraft coordination, and the application of combat tactics in various operational conditions. That experience also serves as a means to understand the advantages and limitations of various fighter aircraft platforms used by the participating countries.

In addition to enhancing individual capabilities, DACT also strengthens the interoperability of air forces through the exchange of experiences and the joint application of tactics in multinational operation scenarios.

Exercise Pitch Black is a multinational air exercise regularly conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force and attended by several partner countries. This exercise serves as a platform for participants to enhance professionalism, operational readiness, and cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges of air security.

The participation of the Indonesian Air Force in the exercise is expected to further strengthen the capabilities of Indonesian pilots in facing various challenges of modern air operations while also enhancing the quality of defense cooperation with friendly countries.

Through participation in international exercises such as Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Indonesian Air Force continues to strengthen the professionalism of human resources and operational readiness as part of efforts to maintain the sovereignty of Indonesia's airspace.