Indonesia and Australia have commenced the Keris Woomera 26 joint military exercise in Banyuwangi, East Java, marking a significant move to bolster defence and security ties between the two nations. This exercise, running from October 12 to 20, will involve around 1,235 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel and 1,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Australia’s Joint Operations Commander, highlighted the exercise as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Indonesia and Australia, characterized by trust, mutual respect, and close cooperation. He emphasized that the drills represent Australia’s most extensive overseas military training activity this year, underscoring Indonesia’s role as a crucial partner.
The joint exercise features various military operations, including amphibious landings, live-fire drills, and coordinated maritime operations, involving both countries’ navies. The primary goals are to enhance joint operational capabilities, tackle regional deployment challenges, and reinforce deterrence against military coercion in the Indo-Pacific region.
The array of military assets deployed by Australia includes the amphibious ship HMAS Choules, the HMAS Perth, and the HMAS Stalwart, alongside C-130J Hercules and PC-21 aircraft, M777 howitzers, and HIMARS launchers. Indonesia’s contributions include a Diponegoro-class corvette, artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems, Bell 412 and Panther helicopters, and Super Tucano aircraft.
Initiated in 2024, the Keris Woomera exercise is conducted biennially, providing both nations with opportunities to strengthen military coordination and regional security cooperation.