Tropical airdrop marks Ausindo milestone

During Rajawali Ausindo 24, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) 31st Air Squadron and Royal Australian Air Force’s 37 Squadron conducted an airdrop over Ambal Training Area in Indonesia.

CAPTION: An Air Force C-130J Hercules drops a container delivery system during Exercise Rajawali Ausindo 24 in Ambal Training Area, Indonesia. Story by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell. Photos by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.

Both C-130J Hercules’ crews dispatched container delivery systems (CDS) into the area with replenishment supplies for Exercise Wirra Jaya, an activity between the Australian Army and Indonesian Army.

Pilot Flying Officer Ben Broderick said the primary function of the C-130J was aerial delivery of cargo to a drop zone.

“The airdrop was conducted approximately 40 miles west of Yogyakarta. We descended to 600 feet above the ground and increased the deck angle which allows the CDS to roll out the back,” Flying Officer Broderick said.

“It’s very important to conduct these exercises with Indonesia. They’re one of our closest partners and it’s very important to share knowledge and experiences, as well as learn from them.”

CAPTION: Australian Army soldier, Corporal Matthew Crabtree (left) from 176 Air Dispatch Squadron converses with Indonesian Air Force personnel after a Container Delivery System airdrop during Exercise Rajawali Ausindo.

Rajwali Ausindo is a part of series of bilateral exercises conducted between Indonesian and Australian Air Forces, including Elang Ausindo for air combat, and Albatross Ausindo for maritime surveillance.

This iteration of Rajawali Ausindo is a significant milestone as it marks the first occasion both countries’ J-model Hercules have flown together after the TNI-AU introduced them into service at the end of 2023.

Lieutenant Colonel Ripdho, the lead TNI-AU planner for the exercise, reflected on the shared knowledge and learning alongside his Australian counterparts.

“Both C-130J flew from Adisutjipto Air Force Base in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, for this airdrop,” Lieutenant Colonel Ripdho said.

“We are very lucky to conduct this airdrop with Royal Australian Air Force as we can explore experiences and knowledge, improve our capability using the C-130J and enhance our cooperation.”

The sharing of knowledge and learning also extended to Australian Army personnel from 176 Air Dispatch Squadron who were involved in preparing the airdrop and worked closely with the Indonesian riggers.

While on Rajawali Ausindo, Indonesia’s 31st Air Squadron (TNI-AU) and Australia’s 37 Squadron also signed a sister squadron agreement at a signing ceremony.

“Using this sister squadron concept, and using the same model of C-130, we can enhance our cooperation, our knowledge and our interoperability,” Lieutenant Colonel Ripdho said.

CAPTION: Personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force’s No 37 Squadron and Indonesian Air Force’s 31st Air Squadron on the flightline during Exercise Rajawali AUSINDO 24 at Adisutjipto Air Force Base in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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