Singapore and Indonesian Air Forces marks 45 Years of defence relations with Exercise Elang Indopura

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI AU) F-16 aircraft conducting air-to-air refuelling with RSAF's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) during the 45th anniversary of Exercise Elang Indopura.

The RSAF and TNI AU’s aircrafts flying together as part of Exercise Elang Indopura.

RSAF Exercise Director Colonel (COL) Jonavan Ang and TNI AU Exercise Director COL Adhi Safarul Akbar co-officiating the Opening Ceremony of Exercise Elang Indopura.

RSAF personnel making pre-flight checks during the Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) are conducting Exercise Elang Indopura at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, Indonesia from 13 to 26 May 2025. More than 100 personnel from both air forces are participating in the biennial exercise, involving four RSAF F-16C/D, one A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and two TNI AU F-16 aircraft.

Inaugurated in 1980, the pinnacle bilateral air force exercise this year also commemorates 45 years of defence relations between the RSAF and TNI AU. As part of the exercise, the F-16 fighter jets from both air forces conducted air-to-air refuelling with the RSAF A330 MRTT, as well as joint air-to-ground training at the Siabu Air Weapons Range in Indonesia.

Reaffirming the close ties between the RSAF and TNI AU, the RSAF Exercise Director Colonel Jonavan Ang said, “Exercise Elang Indopura continues to be an important exercise for our two air forces. The training exercise brings our aircrew and ground crew together to develop operational competencies, as well as strengthen the camaraderie amongst our people. It is an invaluable experience for all the participants, and I look forward to many such opportunities to deepen our bilateral cooperation.”

Exercise Elang Indopura serves as an important platform to enhance the professionalism, cooperation and mutual trust between the two air forces. The 45 years of bilateral air exercises also underscore the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. In addition to bilateral exercises, the RSAF and TNI AU also engage regularly in a broad spectrum of activities, which include cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and reciprocal visits.