(MENAFN) Indonesia kicked off its most expansive multinational military exercise to date on Monday, with the Super Garuda Shield 2025 drills drawing participation from the United States and more than a dozen other allied nations in a show of growing regional defense cooperation.

In a post on X, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) said the 11-day war games aim to “strengthen interoperability, trust and defense cooperation of friendly countries” across the Indo-Pacific.

The opening ceremony was attended by Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, underscoring Washington’s continued commitment to military partnerships in the region.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated that drills such as Super Garuda Shield “enhance combat readiness and interoperability among allies and partners in the free and open” region.

First launched in 2009 as a bilateral effort between U.S. and Indonesian forces, Super Garuda Shield has since expanded significantly. Starting in 2022, the drills began including military personnel from Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Korea.

Approximately 6,500 troops are taking part in this year’s exercises, which will culminate with a live-fire demonstration near Jakarta on September 4.

MENAFN26082025000045017169ID1109975667