Palembang, South Sumatra (ANTARA) – Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) conducted a parachuting drill with counterparts from the United States, Japan, India, and France in Baturaja, South Sumatra, as part of 2026 Super Garuda Shield multinational exercise.
TNI Doctrine Development, Education, and Training Command Chief Lieutenant General M. Naudi Nurdika noted in a statement on Saturday the drill was aimed at strengthening the capacity of paratroopers from the five countries to conduct safe and precise airborne maneuvers.
Nurdika added the training involved two TNI Hercules C-130 aircraft, supported by three Hercules aircraft deployed by the US Air Force, which also operated a KC-130 tanker aircraft for the exercise.
A total of 110 TNI soldiers, 147 US paratroopers, 40 Indian military parachutists, 17 Japanese personnel, and six French jumpers conducted static-line jumps in turns from an altitude of 1,200 feet over the Baturaja landing area in Ogan Komering Ulu District.
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Nurdika further explained the joint airborne training was designed to enhance troops’ tactical capabilities to infiltrate enemy lines directly from the air.
He added the activity also served as a vital means for the five countries to synchronise procedures and test their ability to mount immediate joint operations in response to regional crises or contingencies.
The officer highlighted this year’s Super Garuda Shield exercise is taking place in several strategic regions across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bandung, Lampung, and North Kalimantan, emphasising the annual event’s extensive training modules.
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Also participating in the multinational exercise are Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
“This exercise also represents a manifestation of Indonesia’s defense diplomacy intended to maintain stability, security, and peace across the Indo-Pacific region,” Nurdika concluded.
The exercise series began on August 31 and is scheduled to conclude on Sept 11.
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Translator: E. Purnama, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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