Australia Ready To Hold Military Exercises With The Indonesian Air Force

Screenshot of TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa (right) and Chief of Air Force Royal Australian Air Force​​​​ Air Marshal Melvin Ernest Glanville Hupfeld/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has expressed readiness to hold a joint exercise "Rajawali Ausindo" with the Indonesian Air Force (AU) to strengthen military relations between the two countries. "We are ready with Rajawali Ausindo. It is a good opportunity. to improve relations between parties," said the Chief of Staff of the Australian Air Force or Chief of Air Force (CAF) RAAF Air Marshal Melvin Ernest Glanville Hupfeld as quoted from the Youtube channel of General TNI Andika Perkasa in Jakarta, Sunday 27 March. Melvin Ernest said he had spoken to the Joint Operations Commander at the TNI to find out the training schedule that had been drawn up. but also improve surveillance and security capabilities," he explained, quoted by A ntara. During the meeting, Andika and Melvin exchanged souvenirs. Melvin gave a large coin symbolizing the 100th anniversary of the RAAF which was commemorated in Australia last year, while Andika gave a dagger. "This is one of the most popular traditional weapons in Java," said Andika when he handed the kris to Melvin.

The Indonesian Air Force and the RAAF have several times held joint exercises with the code "Rajawali Ausindo". The joint exercise between the air forces was last held in 2018 at El Tari Air Base, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Participants in the joint training with Rajawali Ausindo were joined by Indonesian Air Force soldiers from the 32 Malang Air Squadron and RAAF from 37 Air Lift Squad Australian Air Force. The activity was not only filled with exercises for military operations, but also natural disaster relief operations. The Indonesian Air Force and the RAAF have also held joint exercises "Rajawali Ausindo" in 2016 at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales, Austalia, and in 2011 at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia.