Hawaii ANG, Indonesian Air Force Advance Partnership with Second Year of Air-To-Air Refueling Engagement

Posted on Mar 3, 2025 in 2020's, History
An Indonesian Air Force (IDAF) F-16 Fighting Falcon flies alongside a Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron during an air-to-air refueling training mission over Indonesia, Feb. 19, 2025. This bilateral training, supported by the 154th Wing, enables IDAF pilots to recertify their F-16 air refueling qualifications while strengthening interoperability and regional security. The Hawaii National Guard State Partnership Program continues to enhance operational readiness and fosters U.S.-Indonesia defense cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

DENPASAR, Indonesia – Hawaii Air National Guard personnel from the 154th Wing participated in air-to-air refueling engagement with the Indonesian Air Force as part of efforts to support F-16 recertification requirements identified during the 2024 Airmen-to-Airmen Talks. The training focused on strengthening interoperability, operational effectiveness, and regional security efforts between the two forces in Denpasar, Indonesia in Feb. 17-21.

This engagement was part of the Hawaii National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP), which has played a critical role in advancing air-to-air refueling capabilities between Hawaii ANG and the Indonesian Air Force.

In this training cycle, five new and 21 IDAF F-16 pilots successfully earned their air-refueling qualifications. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) directly supported over 40 F-16 sorties, demonstrating the increasing complexity and operational integration of these joint capabilities.

“For many of us, this mission isn’t just about fuel transfers—it’s about trust, adaptability, and building a foundation for future interoperability,” said 1st Lt. Alison Bowman, a pilot with the 203rd ARS. “Through pre- and post-mission briefings, we are exchanging air refueling tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.”

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