The Indonesian Air Force 32nd Air Squadron (Transport) C-130BT Hercules conducted an air refueling exercise with the 11th Air Squadron (Fighter) using its Sukhoi Su-27/30 fighter jets from Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base from August 28 to 31, 2023. The exercise aimed to improve the skills of fighter pilots and C-130 Hercules pilots in air refueling techniques during operations far from their home bases. Air refueling is essential for increasing the range and radius of action of fighter jets in combat missions.
The 32nd Air Squadron is a heavy transport squadron under the control of Wing Udara 2 and is headquartered at Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Base in Malang, East Java. It was initially equipped with C-130B Hercules aircraft. During its 47 years of service, C-130 Hercules has played a major role in supporting various operations. The Hercules aircfats has played a major role in strengthening the 31st Air Squadron and the 32nd Air Squadron, exploring the Indonesian skies for more than tens of thousands of flight hours. The role of C-130 Hercules will be replaced by the C-130J, the latest Hercules type that will soon arrive to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force.
The 11th Air Squadron is a fighter squadron that was born on June 1, 1957, at Andir Air Base (now named Husen Sastranegara Air Base), Bandung, West Java. Now this squadron is one of the operational elements of Wing Udara 5, Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base, which is also part of the Air Operations Command II (Koopsau II). The 11th Air Squadron is also an integral part of the air power of the Indonesian Air Force. Since 2003, this squadron has been reinforced with Sukhoi Su-27SK and Su-30MK/MK2 aircraft purchased from Russia.
The exercise was conducted in several stages, starting with ground training for the pilots and ground crews. The next stage involved the actual air refueling of the Sukhoi Su-27/30 aircraft by the C-130 Hercules. The exercise was conducted in both day and night conditions. This will enhance the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force to conduct missions far from its home bases. The exercise was a success and met its objectives. The pilots and ground crews were able to improve their skills in air refueling techniques. This capability is needed given the vastness of Indonesia’s airspace, which must be defended from all forms of threat.
