For the first time, the Indonesian Air Force deployed its T-50i Golden Eagle to the Northern Territory for Exercise Pitch Black, marking a new chapter in the Australia-Indonesia defence partnership.
The T-50i Golden Eagle is a light combat aircraft designed to prepare pilots for modern air combat missions.
Often compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon due to its similar appearance and performance, the aircraft provides a highly capable platform combining supersonic capability and advanced mission systems.
The platform bridges the gap between foundational pilot training and frontline fighter operations to provide aircrew with the skills and experience required for high-performance combat aircraft.
Letkol Pnb Djatmiko, Commanding Officer of Skadron Udara 15 of the Indonesian Air Force, said he is proud to participate in Pitch Black with this significant flying milestone.
"It is important for Indonesia to participate in Pitch Black, as Australia is one of our closest neighbours," Mr Djatmiko said.
"Training together helps strengthen our partnership and contribute to peace and security across the region."
'It's one of the most important defence relationships we have and we're excited to see Indonesia bring the T-50i Golden Eagles to Exercise Pitch Black 2026, where they'll primarily operate in the strike role.'
Pitch Black continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening professional relationships between air forces across the Indo-Pacific.
The Pitch Black Country Liaison Officer for Indonesia, Wing Commander Steven O'Hara, said our collective air power is strengthened by the involvement of the T-50i Golden Eagle.
"Indonesia participates in our exercises just as we participate in theirs," Wing Commander O'Hara said.
"It's one of the most important defence relationships we have and we're excited to see Indonesia bring the T-50i Golden Eagles to Exercise Pitch Black 2026, where they'll primarily operate in the strike role."
As the T-50i Golden Eagles take to the skies, so too does a partnership built on trust, cooperation and shared security.
Pitch Black is RAAF's biennial capstone, an international exercise with 21 participating nations from a range of regional and allied partners.
Held from July 20 to August 7, Pitch Black will take place primarily in northern Australia, with participants flying from RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.
