On Monday, thousands of military troops from Indonesia, the US, and eight other nations began two weeks of Super Garuda Shield exercises in Sidoarjo, East Java, emphasising joint capabilities in Asia-Pacific.
Indonesia has deployed around 4,400 troops, with approximately 1,800 US forces and several hundred from other countries taking part. The exercise began in 2007 and has grown into a “world-class joint/multinational event designed to enhance our collective capabilities,” according to Major General Joseph Harris, Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard.
The program includes expert academic exchanges, professional development workshops, command-and-control exercises, and field training, which culminate in a live-fire event.
Staff and cyber exercises, airborne operations, combined strikes, amphibious exercises, and simulated ground operations will all be included in the training program. According to US Army Pacific Commanding General Charles Flynn, the drills reinforce the Army’s commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific area. Participants from Australia, Japan, UK, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, and France are taking part in the drills, which will continue until September 6 at various sites throughout Indonesia.
Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the Netherlands, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea are all participating in the exercise as observer nations.
