US Air Force F-22s Visit Indonesia's Bali
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8 August 2024 08:25 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Four fifth-generation F-22s from the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, touched down at Bali International Airport on August 6, 2024. This marked the first time the United States (US) has deployed fifth-generation aircraft to Indonesia.
The Indonesian government coordinated the arrival of the four US Air Force F-22s. The deployment of the iron birds allows pilots and crews of aircraft maintenance an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Indonesian airspace operations and test rapid refueling capabilities.
A C-130 aircraft from the US Air National Guard landed in Bali the day before to prepare for the F-22s' quick "hot pit" refueling.
In November 2023, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto signed a historic Defense Cooperation Agreement that outlines objectives to increase training opportunities, boost educational exchanges, and raise marine domain knowledge.
The US Air Force regularly conducts training and activities with Indonesia to further strengthen operational capabilities and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
From July 22 to 26, 2024, pilots from the US Pacific Air Force (PACAF) and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) joined Cope West 2024, a bilateral mobility exercise held at Abdulrahman Saleh Air Base in Malang.
At least 25 US pilots were trained alongside the Indonesian personnel during the exercise. The two air forces exchanged expertise (SMEE) in base security, operational maintenance, and medical fields, such as aerospace medicine and aeromedical evacuation.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of US-Indonesia diplomatic relations, which is based on shared commitments to democracy, pluralism, and a rules-based order.
US Air Force Brigadier General Brian S. Laidlaw expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen the US-Indonesia friendship and strategic ties and enhance interoperability.
The US Pacific Air Forces, in collaboration with other components, allies, and partners, provide the US Indo-Pacific Command with unmatched air, space, and cyberspace capabilities to uphold the rules-based international order and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
SUCI SEKARWATI
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