24-6-2023 (JAKARTA) In a historic first, the Indonesian and United States (US) Air Forces have conducted their first joint exercise for landing bombers. On June 19, two US B-52 bombers landed in Indonesia to execute training exercises with the Indonesian Airforce’s (TNI-AU’s) F-16 aircraft. The US Embassy in Jakarta confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
The landing at Kualanamu airport in Medan and subsequent operations mark the first time that US B-52s have operated from Indonesia. The aircraft, from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron (23EBS) at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, are participating in interoperability landing joint exercises with the Indonesian Air Force and US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
Around 60 crew members from the 23EBS are involved in conducting the bomber landing joint exercise, in conjunction with Cope West 2023, a bilateral exercise being held at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, from June 12-23.
The joint exercise aims to test tactical fighter capabilities, evaluate proficiency, identify future training opportunities, and enhance capabilities integral to a variety of bilateral missions. This year marks the 10th Cope West joint exercise in Indonesia, which is a routine joint exercise that was first held in 1989.
The US Embassy stated that the Pacific Air Forces, in coordination with other components, allies, and partners, provides the US Indo-Pacific Command with continuous unrivaled air, space, and cyberspace capabilities to uphold the rules-based international order and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The joint exercise is a significant milestone for the two countries’ military cooperation and highlights the growing relationship between the two nations. It also demonstrates their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
The joint exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. The exercise sends a clear message to China that the US and its allies are committed to ensuring that the region remains free and open.
