TEMPO.CO, Kupang - Indonesian Air Force and Australian Air Force held a joint combat training at El Tari Kupang Airport in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

“The training starts today and ends Aug 27,” El Tari Kupang Airbase commander Col. Andi Wijaya told reporters on Tuesday.

The joint exercise is dubbed “Elang Ausindo 2015”. In the training, Australian air force deployed nine fighter jets while Indonesian air force only deployed seven. A total of 16 fighter jets participated in the training, said Andi.

The nine fighter jets deplyed by the Australian air force includes the F-18 Hornet and the C-17 globe master, meanwhile Indonesian air force deployed five F-16s from Squadron 3 Iswahyudi, one hely super puma from Squadron 6 Atang Sanjaya Bogor, as well as one Hercules c-130A 1327 from Air Squadron 31.

The joint training is a friendly exercise to share and study manuever techniques in effort to improve combat ability of each personnel when engaged in real combat. The exercise also expects to enhanced the ability of Indonesian air force personnels in defending the nation.

Andi expects the joint exercise could increase relationships between Indonesian Air Force personnels, especially in NTT that borders with Australia.

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