The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) launched the 13th Air Maneuver Exercise Bilateral Fighter Interaction (AMX BFI) at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, Pekanbaru, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The exercise, running from September 9 to 13, brings together fighter pilots from both nations to enhance tactical skills and operational readiness in air combat scenarios. The Indonesian Air Force has deployed personnel from Squadrons 3 and 14 of Air Wing 3, Iswahjudi Air Base, along with Squadron 16 of Air Wing 6, Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. This year’s AMX BFI focuses on critical aerial maneuvers, including Air-to-Air Refueling, Mission Tactical Intercept, and Basic Fighter Maneuvers. The joint training is held in the Roesmin Nurjadin Joint Training Area and is aimed at sharpening the tactical capabilities of F-16 fighter pilots from both air forces.
One of the highlights of the exercise is the Air-to-Air Refueling operation, where Indonesian Air Force’s F-16 fighters refuel mid-air from Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Airbus A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). This demanding maneuver requires exceptional precision, trust, and coordination between the tanker and the receiving aircraft. Pilots must maintain stability, consistent speed, and clear communication to ensure safe and successful refueling operations. Mastering such a complex operation enhances the operational flexibility and combat endurance of the fighter pilots. On Wednesday, September 11, two Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 fighter jets touched down at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base as part of the bilateral exercise. The RSAF has contributed both F-16 jets and the MRTT tanker to participate in various tactical scenarios, ranging from air combat training to complex mission intercepts.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force operates 62 F-16 Fighting Falcons, all of which are advanced F-16C/D block 52 aircraft. These aircraft are equiped with state-of the-art armament, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and the Israeli Python 4 missile linked to a DASH-3 Helmet Mounted Sight. Singapore has acquired the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile for use on its F-16 and Fokker 50 aircraft. The Indonesian Air Force ordered a total of 12 F-16A/B block 15OCU aircraft. Indonesia’s F-16s are employed in both air defense and ground attack roles, although lack of advanced weapons and navigation/targeting equipment limits them to daylight operations. With the latest order of 24 second-hand USAF airframes, the capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force are expanding rapidly with the more advanced airframes being delivered in 2014 and 2015.
In February 2014, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) selected the MRTT over the Boeing KC-46, signing for six aircraft. All are fitted with Trent 772B engines and configured for a maximum capacity of 266 passengers or 37,000 kilograms (82,000 lb) of cargo, as well as a maximum fuel weight of 111,000 kilograms (245,000 lb). The first MRTT arrived in Singapore on 14 August 2018 in a special livery. The RSAF’s six MRTTs attained full operational capability (FOC) on 20 April 2021 and currently fly with the 112 Squadron at Changi Air Base (East) in Singapore. In January 2018, Indonesian Air Force officials were reportedly studying both the A330 MRTT and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers for a future modernisation programme, expected to take place after completion of the Airbus A400M Atlas programme. On September 5, 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense stated that a number of defense equipment made by Airbus are in effective contract including the Airbus A330 MRTT.
