Russian and Indonesian navies hold first bilateral exercise

Russian and Indonesian militaries on November 4 began their first joint maritime exercise between the two countries in the Java Sea.

According to Sputnik news agency, the Orruda 2024 exercise will take place in the Indonesian city of Surabaya and the Java Sea from November 4-8. This is the first bilateral exercise between the two navies since Indonesia gained independence 79 years ago.

The frigate Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov at the port in Surabaya on November 3.

The name of the exercise is a combination of two birds: the Russian eagle and the Indonesian mythical bird Garuda, the embodiment of strength and courage.

A detachment of warships from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet arrived at Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya on November 3. The group includes three frigates Gromkiy, Rezkiy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov, and the support ship Pechenga.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchenov attended the welcoming ceremony in Surabaya with Indonesian Navy commanders. The ambassador stressed that the exercise is a regular event for partner countries and is not aimed at any third party.

Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet Alexey Antsiferov announced that the exercise will demonstrate Russia's readiness to support Indonesia and expressed that the activity will be held annually and expanded in scale.

Russia still has dangerous fighting forces that have not been deployed yet.

Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and maintains a neutral foreign policy. In July, newly elected President Prabowo Subianto visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the visit, Prabowo said he considered Russia a good friend and wanted to strengthen relations with Russia, according to AFP.

Indonesia has a multibillion-dollar trade relationship with Russia and is a major importer of weapons from Moscow. Indonesia has a $1.14 billion contract to buy 11 Su-35 fighters from Russia. According to The Diplomat , in May, Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares confirmed that the contract was still in effect despite unconfirmed reports that the contract had been terminated due to US sanctions threats.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hai-quan-nga-va-indonesia-lan-dau-tap-tran-song-phuong-185241104150951678.htm