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Aviators from the Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 33 Squadron conducted air-to-air refuelling training with counterparts from the Indonesian Air Force.
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The 21 RAAF members conducted the training with Indonesian Air Force F-16 pilots out of Denpasar Airport earlier in August, operating a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft.
Throughout the training, the Indonesian F-16s flew a total of 60 sorties with the RAAF KC-30A, completing 200 successful refuelling boom contacts using the RAAF’s Advanced Refuelling Boom System.
The training was an opportunity to improve the RAAF’s air mobility skills, Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing Group Captain Brent Taylor said.
“Australia is one of a small number of nations to have conducted refuelling training with Indonesian aircraft, boosting our interoperability with an important regional partner,” GPCAPT Taylor said.
“Our aviators developed their skillsets in working with a partner nation to deliver air-to-air refuelling capability, which is essential for aircraft to cross greater distances and remain within a battlespace for longer, without the need to land.
“The training has provided Indonesian Air Force F-16 pilots with valued air-to-air refuelling currency.”
The training provided a chance for Australian aviators to work as part of an international force, GPCAPT Taylor added.
“Air-to-air refuelling is essential to project and sustain air power for a combined force in our immediate region.
“Our working partnership with the Indonesian Air Force is built on a shared commitment towards a stable and resilient Indo-Pacific region.”
Defence hopes that the recent air-to-air refuelling exercise will enhance future exercises between Australia and Indonesia including Exercises Elang AUSINDO and Pitch Black.
