The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is sending its four front-line Sukhoi SU-30 fighter jets for a multinational air defence exercise, code named Pitch Black 2012 (PB12).
The excercise is scheduled to start later this month in Northern Territory of Australia.
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Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesman, brigadier general Hartind Asrin, was quoted by Jakarta Globe as saying that the training marks a latest development in a series of defence exercises between the two countries.
”This is a new era and we have never had such good relations with the Australian military,” Asrin added.
TNI-AU spokesman colonel Agung Sasongko Jati told Sydney Morning Herald that the jets are being sent to Australia, with the aim of training its pilots in flying the aircraft, prior to deployment in the joint exercise.
The Indonesian SU-30 fighters’ participation is considered a step forward in improving the bilateral relations between the two countries, following past disagreements on the East Timor region.
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By GlobalDataThe two nations are currently negotiating the prospects of establishing a defence co-operation arrangement.
Exercise Pitch Black, scheduled to run from 27 July to 17 August 2012, will see participation from Australia, the US, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand and will involve mock combat battles in Australian and Indonesian airspace.
A total of 85 aircraft, including Australian super hornets and classic hornets, Singaporean F16s and F15s, Thai F16s, a Singaporean KC135 refuelling aircraft, a Singaporean golf strength 550 aircraft, Australian wedge- tails, C17 and C130s, Indonesian C130s and US Marine Corps Hornets and C130s as well as a B52 bombers are expected to participate in the drill.
The event aims to train the participating nations in conducting offensive counter air and defensive counter air combat missions worldwide.
Image: A Russian Air Force’s SU-30 fighter during a flight. Photo: courtesy of Sergey Krivchikov.
