Indonesia deploys four T-50i fighters to Australia for Pitch Black 2026

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) dispatched four T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jets and a C‑130 Hercules transport from El Tari Air Base in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, to take part in the biennial Pitch Black 2026 exercise in Australia. Air Marshal Somad said the aircraft would depart on Thursday, noting, "The arrival of these fighter jets is part of the Pitch Black exercise in Australia. They will depart tomorrow." The joint drill runs from 20 July to 7 August and aims to improve interoperability and strengthen defence ties between Indonesia, Australia and other participating nations.

The deployment includes an open‑base event for local residents and school groups in Kupang before the aircraft head south to the multilateral training.