RSAF and TNI AU flew joint F-16 patrols along their shared border.
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 2026. The operation involved two F-16 fighter aircraft from each air force patrolling the airspace along the Singapore-Indonesia border, with both air force chiefs taking part in the flights.
The two-day operation included combined briefings, the practice of standing operating procedures and coordinated flights along the shared border. The patrol reflected both air forces’ commitment to safeguarding their borders against transnational terrorism threats, while developing operational cooperation and mutual understanding between the services.
Chief of the RSAF, Major-General Kelvin Fan, and Chief of Staff of TNI AU, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, participated in the patrol, flying in their respective countries’ fighter aircraft. TNI AU Chief of Staff Harjono also took part in a “Meet-in-the-Air” with RSAF Chief Fan, a symbolic aerial meeting between the two air force chiefs.
RSAF Chief Fan described the inaugural operation as a milestone for the two air forces.
“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,” he said.
The patrol was conducted under Indonesia’s Operation Indopura Sakti-26, with personnel from TNI AU’s Skadron Udara 16 of Grup 3 Tempur taking part. The aircraft followed strategic air routes in the Singapore Strait area.
The patrol adds to established defence engagement between Singapore and Indonesia. Their air forces regularly participate in bilateral activities, including Exercise Elang Indopura, Exercise Camar Indopura and Exercise Manyar Indopura. The relationship also includes high-level visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses by personnel from both air forces. These interactions support mutual understanding, professional ties and interoperability between the two services.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
