VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian and Malaysian Air Forces are conducting a joint exercise code-named Elang Malindo XXVIII/2021 at Supadio Airbase in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and an airbase in Kuching, Malaysia.

“We routinely hold the joint exercise code-named Elang Malindo once every two years. In 2019, it was conducted in Malaysia and this year, it is being conducted in Indonesia, in this case, Supadio Airbase,” Exercise Director of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Colonel Sidik Setiyono said on Monday.

The joint exercise was officially opened by Setiyono in the Operations Service briefing room at the Supadio Airbase and was virtually witnessed by the exercise director of the Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), Colonel Mohd Najib Bin Saad.

On the occasion, Setiyono and Mohd Najob put badges of “Latma Elang Malindo XXVIII/21” on representatives of the two air forces to kick off the joint exercise.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the joint exercise code-named Elang Malindo continues to be conducted. But the joint exercise this time is conducted separately, at Supadio Airbase for TNI AU and Kuching (Airbase) for TUDM, involving Hawk and Helly aircraft as standby SAR at the respective units. The exercise will be held for four days,” he said.

Hopefully, the target of the joint exercise would be achieved and the joint exercise would forge bilateral relations, particularly in the military field, he said.

The joint exercise is designed to improve the interoperability and cooperation between TNI AU and TUDM, he said.

“This joint exercise will benefit the two countries, particularly TNI AU and TUDM, not only to understand technology and share experiences but also to formulate joint defense strategy in the hope of establishing a close partnership to address common security challenges,” he added. (Antaranews)