Navy Chief Plans to Form Sniper Battalion

Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali said the Navy was planning to add major weapons systems and form a Sniper Battalion to improve combat capabilities.

“Also discussed were the need for additional major weapons systems and plans to form a Sniper Battalion to improve combat capability and the precision of operations,” he said, according to a post on the Indonesian Navy’s official Instagram account on Tuesday (13 October).

During the discussions, Ali said he hoped more personnel would be added to the force. He also said the Marine Corps was expected to gain an air-support unit.

Plans to expand the force also cover Marine Infantry Brigades (Brigif) in other parts of the country. “The discussions also included plans to validate the organisation by adding Marine Infantry Brigade units in several island regions of Indonesia,” he said.

Ali explained that the measures were intended to optimise the force and strengthen defence in response to various challenges. “These steps are aimed at strengthening the defence posture, extending operational reach and optimising unit readiness to meet the various challenges of duties in areas under national jurisdiction,” he said.

Ali added that distinguished personnel would be rewarded with promotions or opportunities to pursue further education. He said the awards recognised soldiers’ courage, dedication and professionalism in carrying out operational duties to maintain security and safeguard the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Ali has praised soldiers from the TNI Habema Joint Operations Command task force for their success in an operation that killed three members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). He said the recognition was given in line with President Prabowo’s instructions to strengthen the Indonesian Navy’s operational readiness and combat capability.