An IL-78 air-to-air refueller of the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently carried out mid-air refueling operations at Juanda airport in Indonesia. This refueling was done for IAF Rafale fighter aircraft passing through Indonesian airspace on their way to participate in Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin, Australia. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta highlighted the strengthening of India-Indonesia partnerships through this collaboration.
India’s Rafale fighter jets and a C-17 transport aircraft have arrived in Australia to take part in the Royal Australian Air Force’s premier multinational air combat exercise, Pitch Black 2026. The High Commission of India in Canberra expressed pride in welcoming the Indian Air Force contingent, consisting of four Rafale and two C17 aircraft, along with over 120 Air Warriors to Darwin for the exercise. This deployment signifies India’s dedication to enhancing military partnerships and operational coordination with friendly nations.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia, the Indian Air Force jets escorted his plane in Indonesian airspace as a special gesture. Furthermore, India and Indonesia have deepened their defense ties by signing an agreement for the supply of BrahMos missiles to the Indonesian military. Indonesia is also looking to import India’s Astra air-to-air missiles and receive additional batteries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, showcasing the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
