Accra:East Java The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has carried out take-off and landing exercises on a toll road in East Java to evaluate its potential as an alternative runway. This exercise was part of an operational readiness drill, as reported by the state-run Antara news agency.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the exercise took place on a three-kilometer (1.8-mile) section of the Pasuruan-Probolinggo Toll Road. Air Force Chief of Staff Mohamad Tonny Harjono stated that the exercise aimed to test the operational readiness and the ability to use existing infrastructure, such as toll roads, as alternative runways for air force operations.

During the exercise, two Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft and two F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets successfully took off and landed on the 24-meter-wide (79-foot-wide) road segment. Harjono emphasized that toll roads would be used as alternative runways only in contingency situations when existing runways, airports, or air bases are unusable for air force operations.

Harjono also noted the importance of public safety and the appropriate use of infrastructure during such exercises. He mentioned that several other toll roads have been identified for potential future drills.