Indonesia tests fighter jets on East Java highway as alternative runway amid operational readiness exercise

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) conducted take-off and landing exercises on a toll road in East Java to test its suitability as an alternative runway as part of an operational readiness exercise, state-run Antara news agency reported Thursday.

The air force conducted the exercise on a three-kilometer (1.8-mile) stretch of the Pasuruan–Probolinggo Toll Road,

"This exercise forms part of TNI AU's efforts to test operational readiness and our capability to utilize existing infrastructure in regions, particularly toll roads, as alternative runways for air force operations," said Air Force Chief of Staff Mohamad Tonny Harjono.

Two Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft and two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets took off from and landed on the 24-meter-wide (79-foot-wide) stretch of road, he said.

Harjono said the Air Force would use toll roads as alternative runways only in contingency situations.

"We may turn to toll roads and other local infrastructure as alternatives when existing runways, airports, or air bases can no longer be used for air force operations," said Harjono, adding that public safety and the proper use of infrastructure remained top priorities

He added that several other toll roads have been identified for future drills.