The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has conducted air-to-air refuelling training with the Indonesian Air Force for the first time, reflecting the close and positive relationship between the regional partners. A team of 21 Australian aviators from RAAF No.33 Squadron trained with Indonesian Air Force F-16 pilots out of Denpasar Airport earlier this month.
Officer Commanding No.86 Wing, Group Captain Brent Taylor, said the Australian pilots used a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft alongside Indonesian F-16 fighter aircraft in an activity that enhanced RAAF’s own air mobility skills. “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,” 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.”
A total of 60 F-16 sorties were flown with the RAAF KC-30A during the training event, achieving 200 successful refuelling boom contacts. Flying in Indonesian airspace, the activity involved the KC-30A deploying its Advanced Refuelling Boom System to connect a refuelling receptacle on each Indonesian F-16 Fighting Falcon.
“The event was conducted during the day and night which challenged all aviators to refine their skills through practical training for any situation,” Taylor said. “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.”
This training also benefits Australia and Indonesia with regular bilateral and multilateral air exercises between the countries, including Exercises Elang AUSINDO and Pitch Black. The air-to-air refuelling (AAR) Currency Event 2023 was held from 6 to 12 August 2023.
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