Indonesia and Australia Air Chiefs Conduct Joint Fighter Formation Over Darwin

On 4 August 2026, the chiefs of the Indonesian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force flew together in a joint formation over Darwin, Northern Territory. Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono rode as a passenger in a TNI‑AU T‑50i Golden Eagle, while Australian Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell piloted a parallel RAAF F/A‑18 Hornet.

The maneuver was part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a multinational air‑combat training drill hosted by Australia from 20 July to 7 August that involves forces from about 20 nations. Both chiefs said the flight symbolised the long‑standing relationship and operational trust between the two air forces and underscored their commitment to regional stability and strategic interoperability in the Indo‑Pacific.