Australia has sent six fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Indonesia to practice air-to-air combat for the first time ever

The Royal Australian Air Force has flown fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Indonesia for the first time in its history. The aircraft will take part in the Elang AUSINDO 2023 military exercise.

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The event will strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. In addition to six fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, the exercise involves 150 Royal Australian Air Force personnel, 160 of their Indonesian counterparts, and Indonesian F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Elang AUSINDO 2023 is dedicated to the practice of defensive and offensive air combat. KC-30A aerial refuelling aircraft are also scheduled to be used during the exercise. The event will last until 28 September 2023.

Recall that Australia is the operator of F-35A fighter jets with conventional takeoff and landing. The authorities are considering the possibility of buying a third squadron of aircraft to replace the F/A-18, but it is not excluded that a decision will be made to modernise the Super Hornet fleet.

Source: Australian Government