TNI AU Reinforces ASEAN Air Force Interoperability for Humanitarian Missions

RRI.CO.ID, Cilangkap - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is strengthening interoperability with the Air Forces of ASEAN member states through practical, gradual, inclusive, and mission-oriented cooperation, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono, made the statement during the 23rd ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC), held via video conference on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He said strengthening interoperability is important to enhance the ability of ASEAN air forces to carry out joint missions.

Tonny affirmed that interoperability does not mean that all ASEAN air forces must have the same systems or operate under a single command. Cooperation must continue to respect each country's sovereignty, national authority, and differences in systems and capabilities.

“Interoperability does not mean that ASEAN air forces have to operate under the same system or a single command. Cooperation must continue to respect each country's sovereignty, national authority, and differences in systems and capabilities,” he said.

In joint missions, particularly Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), the ability to work together is essential. Air forces play an important role in humanitarian assistance, search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, aerial assessments, and the rapid delivery of aid.

The Indonesian Air Force is also promoting stronger communication and information sharing among ASEAN air forces, as well as joint training and education as foundations for interoperability. These efforts are expected to strengthen readiness and coordination in responding to disasters and humanitarian situations.

The efforts are in line with ASEAN mechanisms, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and the “One ASEAN, One Response” principle. Strengthening interoperability is expected to support faster, better-coordinated, and more effective humanitarian responses while respecting the sovereignty of each country.