Air Commodore Bill Kourelakos, Commander Air Mobility Group, said during disaster relief operations, it is important to be able to come together at short notice and immediately start delivering relief to those in need.

"Exercise Rajawali Ausindo enables the two nations to share information of airlift operations, test operability and work together to overcome challenges, which is critical to the success of future combined operations," AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

Indonesia and Australia have contributed airlift responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Asia-Pacific region, including Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013.

"During a disaster relief mission there is tremendous pressure on our Hercules crews to quickly deliver supplies to those in need, or evacuate them from a disaster area," AIRCDRE Kourelakos said.

The C-130J Hercules can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo, including vehicles and helicopters, or carry over 100 passengers. Crews can also airdrop supplies, and future developments, like the use of GPS-guided precision aerial delivery systems, will allow supplies to be dropped into small clearings or sporting fields.

Australia and Indonesia are the longest operators of the Hercules outside of the US, with Australia introducing its first Hercules in 1958, and Indonesia in 1960.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.