Russian drills in Indonesia 'unusual'

Australian's defence force chief insists the air force is appropriately "postured" if Russian military planes venture south from Indonesia.

The Australian Defence Force Chief has characterised recent Russian military exercises in Indonesia as an "unusual" event.

The Darwin air force base was on high alert late last year while Russian aircraft and personnel visited Indonesia's Papua province.

Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin told Senate estimates on Wednesday Australia was postured appropriately if the Russian aircraft had ventured south.