Garuda Shield 2026 in Baturaja features paratroopers from five nations
The Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026 joint military exercise in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra, featured hundreds of paratroopers from five nations: Indonesia, the United States, Japan, India, and France.
Lieutenant General Mohamad Naudi Nurdika, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Doctrine, Education, and Training Command (Kodiklat), stated in a written briefing received in Palembang on Saturday that the thrilling and impressive parachute jumps were designed to ensure every stage of the aerial manoeuvre was conducted safely, precisely, and in accordance with established standard operating procedures.
This multinational aerial operation deployed six primary combat aircraft to support the troop deployments. Logistics and aerial transport support were provided by two fleets: two C-130 Hercules units belonging to the TNI, and three C-130 Hercules units along with one KC-130 tanker/cargo aircraft from the United States Air Force.
Hundreds of military personnel involved in this scenario were deployed via static line from an altitude of 1,200 feet, jumping alternately over the Baturaja landing zone. The breakdown of soldiers jumping from the aircraft included 110 TNI personnel from Indonesia, 147 from the United States, 40 from India, 17 from Japan, and six from France.
This joint airborne activity was specifically designed to enhance the tactical capabilities of troop infiltration from the air directly into enemy target areas. Beyond honing technical skills, the exercise serves as a vital medium to synchronise cross-border operational procedures and test joint rapid readiness in responding to various potential crises or contingency situations in the region.
The theme for this year’s SGS 2026 is “Joint Combined Command conducting Multinational Joint Operations in the regions of Jakarta, Bandung, Lampung, Baturaja, and North Kalimantan to maintain peace and preserve regional security stability.”
“This theme emphasises that the scope of this year’s exercise is very broad and integrated across various strategic points in Indonesia,” said the Commander of Kodiklat.
The strength and scale of the Super Garuda Shield 2026 joint exercise are further solidified by the active participation of 21 participating nations. The countries sending troops include Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, India, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, New Zealand, France, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Overall, this series of operations and international involvement demonstrates the strong commitment of the TNI alongside the US Indo-Pacific Command to enhance interoperability and joint combat readiness. “This exercise also serves as a tangible manifestation of Indonesia’s defence diplomacy to maintain stability, security, and peace throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.