Australian Air Force Conducted Aerial Refuelling Training with Indonesia

Denpasar: The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has conducted aerial refueling training with the Indonesian Air Force for the first time. This reflecting the close and positive relationship between the regional partners.
 
A team of 21 Australian pilots from the 33 Squadron RAAF trained with Indonesian Air Force F-16 pilots at Denpasar Airport earlier this month.
 
The 86 Squadron Commanding Officer, Group Captain Brent Taylor, said the Australian pilots used the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft together with Indonesian F-16 fighters in an activity that increased the RAAF's air mobility capability.

“Australia is one of a number of small countries that have conducted refueling training with Indonesian aircraft, enhancing our interoperability with important regional partners,” said Group Captain Taylor, from Australia Embassy release, Wednesday 23 August 2023.
 
"Our pilots are developing their expertise in working with partner nations to provide aerial refueling capabilities, which are essential for aircraft to cover longer distances and stay in the battle area longer, without needing to land,” he added.
 
"This training has given Indonesian Air Force F-16 pilots invaluable aerial refueling capabilities,” Taylor added.
 
Approximately 60 F-16 sorties were flown with the RAAF KC-30A during training, achieving 200 successful refuelling contacts.
 
Flying in Indonesian airspace, this activity involves the KC-30A deploying the Advanced Refuelling Boom System to connect refuelling containers to each Indonesian F-16 Fighting Falcon.
 
"This exercise is conducted day and night challenging all pilots to hone their skills through practical training in any situation," said Group Captain Taylor.
 
Aerial refuelling is critical to projecting and sustaining air power for joint forces in our surrounding region.
 
"Our working partnership with the Indonesian Air Force is built on a shared commitment to a stable and resilient Indo-Pacific region."
 
The training also benefits Australia and Indonesia with regular bilateral and multilateral air drills between the two countries, including AUSINDO's Exercise Eagle and Pitch Black.
 
Currency Event 2023 aerial refueling (AAR) will be held from 6 to 12 August 2023.
 
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