RSAF and TNI AU deepen defence cooperation through inaugural joint fighter patrol operations.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) conducted their first joint fighter air patrol from 3 to 4 November 2026 under the inaugural Patkor Indopura. The operation involved two F-16 fighter aircraft from each air force and aimed to enhance coordination in safeguarding their respective borders against transnational terrorism threats.
The joint patrol involved personnel from both air forces, who conducted combined briefings, exercised standing operating procedures and jointly patrolled the airspace along the Singapore-Indonesia border. The activities provided an opportunity for both sides to coordinate operational procedures and strengthen their understanding of each other’s practices.
Chief of the RSAF, Major-General (MG) Kelvin Fan, and Chief of Staff of TNI AU, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, also participated in the operation. Both senior officers flew in their respective nations’ fighter aircraft during the joint patrol, demonstrating the operational participation of the air force leadership.
Reflecting on the inaugural operation, MG Fan said, “This inaugural Patkor Indopura is a special milestone for our air forces. To be able to conduct this joint patrol together shows the trust, friendship and the professionalism between the two air forces.”
The operation also provided an opportunity to deepen mutual trust and understanding between the RSAF and TNI AU, while enhancing their ability to operate together in addressing shared security concerns.
Patkor Indopura formed part of the broader defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia, which included regular bilateral engagements between their respective air forces. These activities included Exercise Elang Indopura, Exercise Camar Indopura and Exercise Manyar Indopura, alongside high-level visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses.
Through these engagements, the RSAF and TNI AU continued to develop mutual understanding, maintain professional relationships and improve interoperability. The inaugural joint fighter air patrol added another operational component to their ongoing defence cooperation, supporting coordination between the two air forces in maintaining regional air security.
Source: MINDEF
