In a statement issued on August 30, the US Embassy in Indonesia said that troops from the US, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Singapore, the UK and France will participate in the exercise at various training locations in the Southeast Asian country. In addition, the exercise will also attract observer countries, including Brunei, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea and Timor Leste.

Soldiers participating in the Garuda Super Shield 2023 exercise. Photo: nst.com.my

The commander of the US Army Pacific, General Charles Flynn, said that the Garuda Super Shield 2023 exercise builds on the great success of last year. This multinational exercise demonstrates the collective commitment and unity of nations, enabling the creation of a more stable, secure, peaceful, free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Garuda Shield is the largest annual military exercise between the United States and Indonesia. This year, the exercise is open to more countries. According to the US Embassy, ​​approximately 2,100 US and 1,900 Indonesian soldiers from multiple branches of the military will enhance interoperability through training and cultural exchanges. This exercise continues to strengthen the defense partnership between the two countries and promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

According to the statement, with specialized and combat exercises in Surabaya and Banyuwangi, Garuda Super Shield 2023 strengthens the US-Indonesia defense partnership through collaborative learning, promoting trust between the two militaries.

The training modules include academic exchanges, professional development seminars, command and control simulations, amphibious landing exercises, airlift exercises, airfield seizure exercises, and joint field training, including live-fire exercises. The headquarters exercises will focus on joint mission planning for the troops. Meanwhile, the field exercises will involve battalion-level units from each country to hone their operational skills, enhance interoperability, and enhance their combined operations capabilities.

VNA

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