Exercise Keris Woomera 26 Begins in East Java
Australia and Indonesia have officially launched Exercise Keris Woomera 26 with an opening ceremony in the East Java port of Banyuwangi, marking the largest overseas joint training activity for the Australian Defence Force this year. The biennial drills run from October 12 to 20, bringing together approximately 1,000 Australian personnel and 1,235 members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Mirage News reported.
Bilateral Defense Agreements Shape Deployment
Commander Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN stated that the exercise reinforces the security relationship between the two nations. The military cooperation is underpinned by a series of bilateral frameworks, including the 2006 Framework for Security Cooperation (Lombok Treaty), the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and the Jakarta Treaty on Common Security.
Indonesia is an essential and enduring partner for Australia, and it is significant that we share our largest overseas training activity for the year with the TNI,
Vice Admiral Jones said. Our ability to work together on this exercise reinforces our deep and longstanding partnership with Indonesia, underpinned by trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.
Naval and Artillery Capabilities Deployed in Java
The Australian Amphibious Force has embarked on HMAS Choules for the drills, alongside deployments from HMA ships Perth and Stalwart. Royal Australian Air Force contributions include a C-130J Hercules and No 4 Squadron PC-21 aircraft, while the Australian Army has deployed M777 Howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) units.
Following its initial execution in 2024, this year’s iteration incorporates an amphibious landing on the coast of East Java, live-fire exercises on TNI weapons ranges, and maritime integration between both navies.
The Indo-Pacific presents many challenges of geography and environment for Australia and Indonesia alike, especially in terms of how we each deploy and sustain a military force,
Vice Admiral Jones said. Exercise Keris Woomera provides a training environment where Australia and Indonesia can overcome these challenges together, conduct complex military training serials alongside one another, and enhance our ability to deter military coercion.
Banyuwangi Training Schedule and Operational Scope
What are the operational dates for Exercise Keris Woomera 26?
The joint training activity runs from October 12 to 20, centering on the East Java port of Banyuwangi and designated TNI weapons ranges.
How many personnel are participating from each nation?
The exercise involves approximately 1,000 Australian Defence Force personnel working alongside 1,235 members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
Which specific naval vessels have Australia deployed to Java?
The Australian Amphibious Force has embarked on HMAS Choules, supported by the deployment of HMA ships Perth and Stalwart.
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