TNI Special Forces and US Army Collaborate on Aerial Attack Drills
Jakarta (ANTARA) - TNI special forces and the US Army have collaborated to conduct aerial attack exercises using free-fall techniques targeting specific objectives.
The activity took place as part of the Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026 Multinational Exercise at Gatot Subroto Air Force Base, Lampung, on Tuesday (1/9).
According to a press release from the TNI Headquarters Information Centre received on Wednesday, the exercise was organised to enhance the combat capabilities of the soldiers.
“This activity is also a manifestation of the TNI’s commitment to defence diplomacy and multinational military cooperation,” said the Head of the TNI Headquarters Information Centre, Major General Muhammad Nas, when confirmed in Jakarta.
Nas explained that 13 personnel, comprising both TNI and US forces, were involved in the drill. During the exercise, they were required to perform free-fall jumps and land at predetermined target points. Upon landing, all personnel immediately executed a simulation to sabotage enemy positions.
Nas stated that the entire series of exercises proceeded safely and smoothly, as every personnel member adhered to applicable standard safety regulations. Through this activity, Nas hopes that the TNI’s combat strength will continue to increase, enabling them to complete every task assigned by the state.
“This training is also expected to improve interoperability and support stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region,” Nas explained.
The Commander of the TNI, General Agus Subiyanto, stated that Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise held across various regions of Indonesia from 31 August to 11 September 202lar.
“Super Garuda Shield is conducted every year in Indonesia. This year, 21 countries are participating. The total number of personnel training is 4,743 people, covering 12 different training modules,” Agus said in Bandung on Monday (31/8).
The 21 participating nations 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.
Agus noted that the exercises are being conducted in Bandung, Jakarta, Lampung, the TNI Army Combat Training Centre in Baturaja, South Sumatra, and Nunukan, North Kalimantan. The exercises are scheduled to conclude in Jakarta on 11 September 2026.
“The objectives of this exercise are, first, for diplomacy, and second, for cooperation through the exchange of capabilities,” he said.
He added that this is vital for the TNI, particularly as the TNI cyber unit was only established about three years ago, making joint exercises an essential platform for exchanging expertise with partner nations.
“For example, within the TNI, we have only had a cyber unit for three years, and here we are training alongside cyber command posts from other countries and participating in various other drills,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Agus conveyed that SGS 2026 also strengthens the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) component, which is being conducted in North Kalimantan.
“So, there is the HADR module regarding natural disasters. This year, we have added natural disaster training modules in North Kalimantan to be implemented,” Agus concluded.