iscover
Australia and Indonesia will deepen humanitarian and disaster response cooperation this month, amid recent news that the country will acquire a fighter jet fleet from the People’s Republic of China.
Throwing a spanner into international cooperation with Australia, the Indonesian defence minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, speaking to local media, recently confirmed that the country would acquire 42 Chengdu J-10C multi-role fighter jets similar to those in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.
Indonesia will acquire the “Vigorous Dragon”’ J-10C fourth-generation fighter, equipped with active electronically scanned array radar and advanced air-to-air missiles (PL-15) as part of the country’s military modernisation campaign to replace ageing US made F-16 and Russian SU-27/30 aircraft.
“They will be flying over Jakarta soon… I have to double check when those aircraft will arrive in Jakarta from Beijing,” Sjamsoeddin told reporters earlier this month.
Indonesian pilots will also be trained in China for the aircraft, he added.
The new aircraft announcement comes as Australia and Indonesia deepen their humanitarian and disaster response cooperation this month through Exercise Bhakti Kanyini AusIndo.
This multinational training exercise aims to enhance regional preparedness and resilience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Exercise Bhakti Kanyini AusIndo brings together military and civilian emergency management agencies from both countries, along with international partners, including Timor-Leste and the United States.
The exercise will be conducted in two phases: an academic and tabletop activity in Jakarta followed by a field training exercise in Bayah, located in Banten Province of Southern Java.
Approximately 40 Australian Defence Force personnel will participate in the exercise, including construction engineers, water purification experts, health and logistics specialists, and civil-military affairs officers.
Civilian agencies, including Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Management Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency Badan Nasional Pencarian Dan Pertolongan, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Civil-Military Centre and Disaster Assistance Response Team, are also taking part.
“This exercise is a testament to the strength of our regional partnerships and our shared commitment to humanitarian assistance,” Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said.
“Working alongside our Indonesian and international colleagues ensures we are better prepared to respond to crises across the Indo-Pacific.
“Our teams are learning from each other and strengthening the bonds that underpin regional stability.”
