Keris Woomera 26 sharpens Indonesia-Australia defence capabilities

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Keris Woomera 26 joint exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), held in Banyuwangi, East Java, is one effort to strengthen Indonesia-Australia defence and security cooperation.

“Our ability to work together in this exercise strengthens a deep and longstanding partnership with Indonesia, founded on trust, mutual respect and close cooperation,” ADF Joint Operations Commander Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN said in a statement from the Australian Embassy received in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Indonesia and Australia are holding the Keris Woomera 26 joint exercise in Banyuwangi, East Java, from 13 to 20 October 2026, involving around 1,235 TNI personnel and 1,000 ADF personnel.

Jones said Indonesia was an important partner for Australia, particularly in this year’s largest overseas military exercise, conducted alongside the TNI.

“Indonesia is an important and enduring partner for Australia, and it is highly significant that we are carrying out our largest overseas exercise of the year together with the TNI,” he said.

The exercise includes an amphibious landing in East Java, live-fire drills and the integration of maritime operations by the two countries’ navies.

He said the Indo-Pacific region presents Australia and Indonesia with a range of geographical and environmental challenges, particularly in deploying and sustaining military forces.

He hoped the experience gained during the exercise would deliver tangible benefits for the security of both countries, improve their ability to deploy forces and strengthen deterrence against military pressure or coercion.

Keris Woomera 26 is a bilateral exercise between Australia and Indonesia. It was first held in 2024 and takes place every two years.

This year, the ADF deployed the Australian Amphibious Force aboard HMAS Choules, alongside HMAS Perth and HMAS Stalwart.

C-130J Hercules and PC-21 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force’s No. 4 Squadron are also taking part, as are Australian Army assets including M777 howitzers and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

The TNI, meanwhile, deployed a Diponegoro-class corvette, artillery and a multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS), Bell-412 and Panther helicopters, and Super Tucano aircraft.