Indonesia boosts T-50i fleet, debuts jets at Australia's Pitch Black drill

South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries delivered six additional T‑50i Golden Eagle advanced trainer and light‑attack aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force, completing a USD 240 million contract and bringing Indonesia's inventory to 22 planes. The delivery expands the long‑standing defence partnership that also includes joint work on the KF‑21 next‑generation fighter.

Soon after, Indonesia flew its T‑50i jets to Australia to take part in the 2026 Exercise Pitch Black, the Royal Australian Air Force's biennial multinational air‑combat drill involving 21 nations. Letkol Pnb Djatmiko, commanding officer of Indonesia's 15th Squadron, said, “It is important for Indonesia to participate in Pitch Black, as Australia is one of our closest neighbours.” The deployment marks the first appearance of Indonesia’s Golden Eagles at the exercise, underscoring deeper regional security cooperation.

The T‑50i serves as a bridge between basic pilot training and frontline fighter operations, replacing older BAE Hawk and OV‑10 platforms and providing supersonic capability with modern mission systems.