Su-30 Forum, Air-To-Air Refuelling Initiative: What 6th Air Staff Talks Reveal About India–Indonesia Synergy?

The Indian and Indonesian Air Force have decided to set up the Su-30 Forum as a platform for coordination and joint training at the 6th edition of Air Staff Talks in Bali on October 10, 2025. In addition to the same, the forces also agreed to develop an air-to-air refuelling program.

The Indian and Indonesian Air Forces concluded their 6th edition of Air Staff Talks in Bali, underscoring a sharp upward trajectory in bilateral defence cooperation. Co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal Sundaramani Krishnan of the Indian Air Force and Air Vice Marshal Suliono of the Indonesian Air Force, the discussions centred on capability development, interoperability, and joint initiatives.

The Indian Air Force described the talks as a key step in “reinforcing growing synergy between the two Air Forces through enhanced collaboration in training and various other domains.”

Why is Su-30 forum a strategic milestone?

A major outcome was the establishment of the Su-30 Forum, envisioned as a structured platform for coordination, joint training and maintenance cooperation. With both countries operating variants of the Su-30 fighter aircraft, this mechanism is expected to streamline operational planning, technical exchanges and mission preparedness.

In a notable first, the two sides also agreed to develop an air-to-air refuelling initiative involving Indian tanker aircraft and Indonesian fighter jets. This move directly enhances regional interoperability, force reach and joint operational readiness. The Indonesian Air Force said the agreement will “strengthen interoperability and enhance the readiness of both forces.”

Indonesian Air Force on Monday (October 13, 2025) said several strategic collaborations were agreed upon during the staff talks. “During the meeting, both parties agreed on several important cooperative measures, including the establishment of the Su-30 Forum as a platform for coordination and joint training.

Additionally, TNI AU and IAF will develop an air-to-air refueling program involving India’s tanker aircraft and TNI AU’s fighter jets. Both air forces also committed to strengthening interoperability and enhancing the readiness of their respective forces”, the Indonesian Air Force wrote in a post on X.

It expressed confidence in the ties and said that the talks would see the relationship between Indian and Indonesian Air Force grow stronger, while also improving their capabilities in addressing various future challenges.

How recent naval exchanges complement air cooperation?

The Air Staff Talks came close on the heels of the Indian Navy’s INS Kadmatt making a three-day visit to Makassar from October 3-5. The visit featured professional exchanges, best-practice sharing and operational engagements, furthering the naval dimension of India–Indonesia defence ties.

Moreover, the momentum builds on President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India earlier this year, during which he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive discussions on defence and security. Both leaders welcomed the ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and expressed intent to deepen military collaboration.

Defence manufacturing becoming a new pillar?

Indonesia has shown growing interest in domestic defence industrialisation, and President Subianto has acknowledged India’s progress in this sector. New Delhi has agreed to support Indonesia’s defence modernization programmes through expertise, training and shared experience.

As maritime neighbours and strategic partners, both nations are aligning their defence outlooks amid evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The latest developments indicate a comprehensive push, from air and naval cooperation to defence technology and industrial collaboration, towards a more robust and operationally meaningful partnership.