Two Australian No. 77 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet Aircraft welcome Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Sukhoi Su-30 & Su-27 Flanker aircraft into Darwin to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2012.
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Exercise Pitch Black is a major multi-national biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, involving Offensive Counter Air and Offensive Air Support missions being flown at training ranges across the Northern Territory. Exercise Pitch Black 12 will be held from 27 July to 17 August 2012, and involve 2200 personnel and up to 94 aircraft from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.

Indonesia to Exchange Russian Jets with Commodities

Indonesian cabinet ministers said Tuesday that the country would purchase 11 Sukhoi fighter jets worth $1.14 billion from Russia in exchange for cash and commodities. In a joint statement with Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, Trade Minister Enggartiarto Lukita said the type and the volume of the commodities were still being negotiated, but the total value would be $570 million. Previously, The Diplomat reported that Indonesia is expected to receive a loan from Russia for the purchase.