The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) have agreed to establish military cooperation to mutually solidify the air defense of their countries.
In a press release received from the TNI AU in Jakarta on Friday, the TNI AU informed that the agreement was reached by delegates from the two military institutions during a forum held in Yogyakarta on Thursday (April 18, 2024).
Representing the Indonesian Air Force, First Marshall Mochammad Untung Suropati explained that the two parties agreed to cooperate in conducting drills, educational activities, subject matter expert exchange (SMEE), and flight operations.
FASF delegate Brigadier General Hugues Pichevin welcomed the scope of the agreed military cooperation.
The joint drill program is expected to provide the two air forces with an opportunity to exchange personnel, instructors, and educational materials, as well as tactics and defense equipment experts.
The Indonesian Air Force said that it expects the cooperation to help its personnel enhance their capacity and boost the quality of its defense equipment.
Earlier, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subiyanto instructed the newly appointed TNI AU Chief of Staff, Marshall Mohamad Tonny Harjono, to make technological breakthroughs to strengthen Indonesia’s main weapons system.
Make the utmost efforts to fulfill your duties and make innovative and creative breakthroughs according to the Air Force’s special regard for science and technology, he told Harjono during an office handover ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on April 5.
Subiyanto said that he considers such breakthroughs vital to augment the Air Force’s prowess, which, in turn, is expected to make the military institution more competitive at the Asian and global levels.
He also urged Harjono to further bolster the quality of personnel serving in the Air Force.
Harjono was appointed as chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace on April 5, replacing Marshall Fadjar Prasetyo.
