ADF Successfully Completes Interoperability Training in Indonesia

17 September 2023

An Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fires onto targets in Puslatpur (photo : Aus DoD)

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has successfully concluded its role as a key participating nation on Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 in Indonesia.

This was the largest ever Super Garuda Shield exercise since the training activity began in 2009.

An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from the 1st Armoured Regiment beside an Indonesia Defence Forces (TNI) Leopard 2A4 main battle tank in Puslatpur (photo : 1st Armoured Regiment)

This year, more than 5,000 troops from seven participating nations trained in and around East Java. Host nations Indonesia and the United States were joined by Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, with a further 12 nations also sending observers.

Commander of the Australian Army’s 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Scott Winter, AM, said Australia’s participation on this exercise was significant.

A United States Army M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires in Puslatpur (photo : Aus DoD)

“Super Garuda Shield is what success looks like in terms of regional engagement and overseas training for our Army,” Major General Winter said.

“It also demonstrated our ability to meet the most demanding land challenges in the future and to effectively deploy significant land forces, including armour, across the Indo Pacific region.”

Australian Army Sapper Gerome Balangue from 3 Field Squadron attached to the 1st Armoured Regiment yells during a live fire attack in Puslatpur (photo : Aus DoD)

The contingent included 125 Australian Army personnel, a troop of M1A1 Abrams tanks and support vehicles from the 1st Armoured Regiment, a platoon of infantry from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment, a team from the Special Air Service Regiment, and medical and other specialists.

“I’ve had a lot of good days in the Army, probably none so proud as seeing Australian tanks alongside their Indonesian counterparts here in East Java,” Major General Winter said.

An Australian Army HX77 Heavy Integrated Load Handling System truck refuels an Indonesian Defence Force (TNI) Leopard 2A4 (photo : Aus DoD)

The exercise comprised of several training phases including a subject matter expert exchange, combined arms field training, amphibious operations, and a special operations military free fall jump.

The exercise culminated in live-fire training by multinational forces, including strikes by F-16, AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-1 Super Cobra aircraft, 105mm artillery and HIMARS rocket systems, and by tanks, infantry and other weapons systems.

(Aus DoD)