Indonesia, US Launch Super Garuda Shield Exercise

Indonesia and the United States have begun their annual joint military exercise, “Super Garuda Shield,” with participation from 15 other nations. More than 6,500 personnel, including troops from Australia, South Korea, Canada, and Japan, are taking part. The opening ceremony was held Monday in Jakarta. Indonesia has hosted the exercise since 2007, expanding it in 2022 to strengthen security ties in the Indo-Pacific amid rising Chinese activity in the South China Sea.

This year’s training features beach landings, parachute drops, and operations to retake captured islands. Japan has increased its contribution to around 750 personnel, deploying the transport ship Osumi and C-130 aircraft. The drill runs through September 4.