Indonesian Air Force Explores Defense Cooperation with Australia, France

Canberra, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) embarked on discussions aimed at fostering defense cooperation with counterparts from Australia, France, and neighboring countries during a series of engagements on Tuesday.

In a statement released on its official Instagram account @militer.udara, the Air Force disclosed that Deputy Chief of Staff of the TNI AU, Air Vice Marshal Andyawan Martono, participated in meetings with international air force officials at the Air and Space Power Conference held in Canberra, Australia.

During the conference, Martono engaged in talks with key leaders including Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, focusing on plans for a collaborative air force drill.

Additionally, Martono met with Chief of Air Force of the Republic of Singapore, Brigadier-General Kelvin Fan, congratulating him on his recent appointment. Discussions between the two parties highlighted Singapore’s operational achievements with the H225 and CH-47F aircraft, while Fan acknowledged TNI AU’s support for the Jupiter Aerobatic Team’s participation in the Singapore Air Show.

Further discussions ensued with the commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, where Martono expressed gratitude for Brunei Darussalam’s acquisition of six H145M helicopters, enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Martono also held deliberations with the Commander of the French Space Command, Major General Philippe Adam, during his visit to Australia. Martono expressed interest in drawing insights from France’s AsterX space military exercise, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The meetings underscored Indonesia’s dedication to nurturing well-established partnerships with these nations, particularly in the domain of air defense, aiming to bolster regional security and cooperation.