India and Indonesia have further strengthened their defence cooperation with the operational support extended by Jakarta for the transit of Indian Air Force (IAF) assets participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
An IAF IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft operated from Juanda Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia, to support the mid-air refuelling requirements of IAF Rafale fighter aircraft transiting Indonesian airspace en route to Darwin, Australia.
The deployment marks another milestone in growing military cooperation between the two nations, highlighting enhanced operational coordination and mutual trust between the Indian and Indonesian armed forces.
The Embassy of India and IAF personnel expressed their appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for facilitating the operation of Indian military platforms from Indonesian territory and providing vital support for the mission.
The IAF Rafale contingent is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major multinational air combat exercise involving air forces from 19 nations. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen operational partnerships and provide valuable experience in complex aerial combat scenarios.
The successful support arrangement reflects India’s expanding defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific region and underscores the importance of cooperation with partner nations in ensuring seamless military mobility and operational readiness.
