Jakarta, Clear Skies Magazine: The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have successfully conducted a joint fighter jet patrol over their shared border region as part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral defence cooperation and safeguard airspace security.
The operation, known as Malaysia–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (Malindo) Siri I 2026, was carried out on July 15, according to an official statement released by the Indonesian Air Force on Monday.
TNI AU spokesperson First Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana said the coordinated patrol forms part of the long-standing defence cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, aimed at strengthening airspace security while reinforcing military ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“The joint patrol is part of our bilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing airspace security while strengthening ties between the two air forces,” Suadnyana said.
Each air force deployed two fighter aircraft for the mission. Indonesia contributed F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from Air Squadron 16, while Malaysia deployed two F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. The Royal Malaysian Air Force also assigned a third aircraft to document the operation.
According to Suadnyana, the U.S.-made fighter aircraft conducted coordinated patrols over several areas along the maritime border shared by Indonesia and Malaysia, demonstrating the two countries’ commitment to maintaining regional security and protecting their respective sovereign airspace.
The spokesperson confirmed that the operation was completed successfully without incident and was carried out in full compliance with aviation safety protocols, ensuring both pilot safety and operational security throughout the mission.
He expressed confidence that continued implementation of joint patrols and other collaborative defence initiatives would further strengthen bilateral military relations while enhancing the ability of both nations to safeguard their territorial sovereignty and maintain stability in the region.
The Malindo coordinated patrol is part of broader defence cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, reflecting the two Southeast Asian neighbours’ shared commitment to regional security, operational interoperability, and closer military collaboration.