RAAF flies into Bali to show off
Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs made their first appearance in an overseas air show in Bali from September 18 to 21.
CAPTION: Indonesian military personnel and members of the public watch as an RAAF F-35A Lightning II starts up for a flying display at the Bali International Air Show. Story by Squadron Leader Eamon Hamilton. Photos supplied by the Indonesian Air Force Information Service.
The Bali International Air Show 2024 involved two F-35As and 22 aviators from 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) making the trip to Indonesia.
At Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, 2OCU provided a ground static display and two flying displays as part of the air show.
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) also had a significant presence at the event. This included a newly delivered C-130J Hercules, F-16 and Su-30 fighter aircraft, and the TNI-AU’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team.
CAPTION: From left, Commanding Officer 2 Operational Conversion Unit Wing Commander Phil Eldridge greets Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (Kasau) Marsekal TNI (Air Chief Marshal) M. Tonny Harjono at the Bali International Air Show.
Visitors to the RAAF F-35A static display included Chief of Staff for the TNI-AU, Marsekal TNI (Air Chief Marshal) M. Tonny Harjono.
Commanding Officer 2OCU Wing Commander Phil Eldridge led the RAAF contingent at the air show.
“We were excited to support Bali International Air Show 2024, join with our friends from the Indonesian Air Force, and speak firsthand with the Indonesian public,” Wing Commander Eldridge said.
“Indonesia and Australia enjoy a broad, deep and growing strategic partnership, and this air show is a great opportunity for us to showcase our cooperation.
“Our participation in [the] air show allowed the public to meet our workforce and see the F-35A capability up close.”
CAPTION: An RAAF F-35A pilot waves to the crowd following the flying display at Bali International Air Show.
The Bali International Air Show was Indonesia’s first major international air show since 1996.
F-35As were introduced to RAAF service in 2018 and have supported many Australian air shows, and have deployed abroad on international exercises.
The F-35As have also transited through Bali while en route to exercises within the region.
The Bali International Air Show follows the TNI-AU’s participation in Exercise Pitch Black in July, when it deployed six F-16 jet fighters to RAAF Base Darwin.
“We welcome this opportunity to return to Indonesia with the F-35As, as it also provides us with useful training experience in deploying over long distances,” Wing Commander Eldridge said.
“Our people build their skills through coordinating this deployment with the Indonesian Air Force, ensuring we’re experienced and ready to work closely with them in future.”
CAPTION: An RAAF F-35A Lightning II taxis past the Indonesian Air Force Jupiter Aerobatic Team at the Bali International Air Show 2024.
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