# Indonesia's T‑50i role in Pitch Black 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesia-involvement-in-pitch-black-drills
> Updated: 2026-08-05T21:55:37.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 4.

In mid‑July 2026 the Indonesian Air Force sent four T‑50i Golden Eagle trainers and a C‑130 Hercules from El Tari Air Base to Australia for Exercise Pitch Black, which runs 20 July–7 August. Before departure the squadron held an open‑base event for local residents in Kupang.

A week later Korea Aerospace Industries delivered six more T‑50i aircraft, completing a USD 240 million contract and bringing Indonesia’s fleet to 22 jets. The delivery, part of a broader defence partnership that also includes work on the KF‑21 fighter, was followed by the immediate deployment of the new aircraft to the drill, marking the first appearance of Indonesia’s Golden Eagles at Pitch Black.

The exercise hosts over 2,500 personnel from 21 nations, featuring first‑time Japanese F‑35s, Spanish A330 MRTT tankers and a wide mix of regional air forces. Host RAAF officials highlighted the complex, jointly planned scenarios as a signal of shared commitment to regional peace, while analysts noted China’s absence.

On 4 August, the chiefs of the Indonesian and Australian air forces flew together in a formation over Darwin—an Indonesian T‑50i alongside an RAAF F/A‑18 Hornet—underscoring operational trust and interoperability between the two services.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Indonesia and Australia Air Chiefs Conduct Joint Fighter Formation Over Darwin

Indonesian and Australian air chiefs flew a joint formation over Darwin on 4 Aug 2026 during Exercise Pitch Black, highlighting defence ties and regional stability.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-and-australia-air-chiefs-conduct-joint-fighter-formation-over-darwin

### 2026-07-24: Exercise Pitch Black brings 21 nations' warplanes to northern Australia

Australia hosts Exercise Pitch Black, a three‑week air combat drill with 21 nations, over 2,500 personnel, Japanese F‑35s, Indonesian trainers and Spanish A330 MRTT tankers for in‑flight refuelling.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exercise-pitch-black-brings-21-nations-warplanes-to-northern-australia

### 2026-07-22: Indonesia boosts T-50i fleet, debuts jets at Australia's Pitch Black drill

Indonesia received six more T‑50i Golden Eagle jets, raising its fleet to 22, and deployed them for the first time to Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black, strengthening ties with South Korea and Australia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-boosts-t-50i-fleet-debuts-jets-at-australias-pitch-black-drill

### 2026-07-15: Indonesia deploys four T-50i fighters to Australia for Pitch Black 2026

Indonesia's Air Force sent four T-50i fighters and a C‑130 transport to Australia for the Pitch Black 2026 drill, departing from Kupang on July 16.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-deploys-four-t-50i-fighters-to-australia-for-pitch-black-2026

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Cite as: Indonesia's T‑50i role in Pitch Black 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesia-involvement-in-pitch-black-drills