Jakarta, Aug. 6 -- The military air chiefs of Indonesia and Australia conducted a joint formation flight over Darwin on Tuesday (August 4), demonstrating defense ties during Exercise Pitch Black 2026.

Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono flew alongside Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Air Force (CAF) Air Marshal Stephen Chappell over Australia's Northern Territory.

Air Marshal Tonny flew as a passenger aboard a TNI AU T-50i Golden Eagle fighter jet piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Kurniadi Sukmo Djatmiko, Commander of Air Squadron 15, while Air Marshal Chappell flew in a parallel RAAF F/A-18 Hornet.

Defense officials confirmed that the airborne maneuver adhered to safety protocols and wa...