RIMPAC 2026: Unmanned Systems Take Centre Stage in Maritime War Games

The integration of unmanned systems is one of the most compelling aspects of this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), according to the exercise’s Combined Control Group Commander, Rear Admiral Suzanne Bailey. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, led by the United States and held biennially. This year’s drills run from 24 June to 31 July 2026, involving approximately 25,000 personnel from 31 countries, including Indonesia. “I have been involved in the field of unmanned systems for more than a decade. Although I will not discuss technical specifications for operational security reasons, I will speak about their value,” Bailey said during a virtual press conference on the joint exercise in Jakarta on Monday. Bailey, a C-130 pilot and RQ-4 Global Hawk mission commander, stated that unmanned systems are no longer merely an enhancement to naval capabilities but have become an essential part of current and future maritime warfare operations. According to her, the technology increases capacity and resilience, expands options in military operations, and creates more complex challenges for adversaries. “By integrating unmanned systems, we present more complex and unpredictable challenges to any enemy, enhancing our ability to deter aggression,” she said. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Marine Corps, alongside contingents from other nations, has participated in various drills, including close-quarters battle simulations and air assault operations. During the training, Indonesian Navy personnel taught jungle survival techniques to soldiers from various countries. “Indonesian Marines are not only sharing capabilities but also learning from the experiences of other nations. This kind of knowledge exchange is an important asset in facing future joint operational challenges,” said the Commander of the Indonesian Marine Task Unit for RIMPAC 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Huda Prawira. He explained that the material was chosen because Indonesian soldiers frequently operate in the country’s forested and mountainous regions, giving them extensive survival experience in such conditions. Marine Corps personnel shared various jungle survival techniques, from identifying edible plants and animals to adapting to the environment.