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Indonesia and the United States have launched the 2025 edition of Super Garuda Shield, one of the largest multinational military exercises in the Indo-Pacific, bringing together more than 6,500 troops from 13 countries.

The exercise began on August 25, 2025, with an opening ceremony in Jakarta and will continue until September 4, 2025, across multiple locations, including Baturaja in South Sumatra and Dabo Singkep in Lampung.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) are leading the drills, joined by forces from Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, France, Brazil, and India. Several regional countries have also sent observers.

U.S. officials emphasized the growing scale of the drills. “Super Garuda Shield has grown into one of the region’s premier exercises,” Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Paparo said. “It ensures that, as a team of nations, we can meet regional challenges and keep the Indo-Pacific free and open,” he added.

“This year is the largest Super Garuda Shield ever with over 6,500 participants and 13 nations, which represents a commitment to our partnership and to the sovereignty of each country through the prism of mutual respect,” Adm. Samuel Paparo said at the launch event.

Air force special tactics operators conducted a HALO jump during #SuperGarudaShield 2025.

The annual exercise enhances builds capability & #interoperability between #AlliesAndPartners.

📍 #Indonesia

📸 Spc John Farmer pic.twitter.com/K53VKXYwmL

— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) August 28, 2025

The drills, which began as a bilateral training program between the U.S. and Indonesia in 2006, expanded in 2022 to include other partners. Since then, it has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most comprehensive multinational exercises. This year’s event includes European, North American, and Asia-Pacific forces, underscoring the Indo-Pacific’s increasing importance in global security planning.

Indonesian Deputy Armed Forces Commander General Tandyo Budi Revita highlighted the broader significance of the exercise. “It is not merely a military drill,” he said adding that “It is a platform of trust, a bridge of friendship, and a beacon of our shared commitment to safeguard peace and stability.”

General Tandyo Budi Revita stressed that the exercise reinforced Indonesia’s role as a bridge between nations. “It serves as a joint exercise where we stand together to respond to every challenge quickly and precisely,” he noted.

U.S. Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Peter Haymond described the exercise as a reflection of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Washington and Jakarta. “Each year this exercise grows in importance and reflects our shared dedication to peace and security,” he said.

Comprehensive Training Across Mulitple Domains

Super Garuda Shield 2025 features a wide range of multidomain training activities designed to test interoperability across land, sea, air, cyber, and space. The exercise envolves practicing High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) infiltration missions, airborne and amphibious assaults, and training in jungle terrain and urban environments. Medical evacuation drills, small unit tactics, and combined arms live-fire exercises are also scheduled.

The exercise also featured the live-fire drills of Stinger missiles. During the exercise, the U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, fired FIM-92 Stinger missiles in Indonesia for the first time, marking a milestone for the U.S. and allied nations. The FIM-92 Stinger is a portable, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile built to target and neutralize low-altitude aircraft, including fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Lead planner and officer in charge of the live-fire exercise, U.S. Army Capt. Kaden Cox said, “Today, we are shooting two Stinger missiles. Not only is this a first for the whole 11th [Airborne Division], but it is also the first time that we are utilizing this capability in Indonesia.”

According to official releases, training will also include staff-level joint planning, operations from austere airfields, engineering construction projects, and humanitarian assistance activities. This approach reflects the exercise’s dual focus on combat readiness and civil-military cooperation.

The Indonesian Navy confirmed that the U.S. destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113) docked at Jakarta’s port of Tanjung Priok to participate. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) deployed tank landing ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) with elements of its Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, while the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Airborne Brigade will conduct airborne operations. These units recently trained alongside U.S. and Australian forces during the Talisman Sabre exercise in July.

Strategic Context

Jakarta’s decision to continue hosting large-scale drills with the U.S. comes against the backdrop of rising maritime tensions in the South China Sea. Indonesia has expressed concern over Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone, particularly near the Natuna Islands, though it has avoided public confrontation with Beijing.

“The Super Garuda Shield Joint Exercise 2025 is a demonstration of how Indonesia strengthens defense partnerships without abandoning its independent foreign policy,” said researcher Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS). “Indonesia is not aligning with any bloc but is diversifying defense ties, which gives it room to maneuver in a competitive environment,” he added.

Indonesia has simultaneously expanded economic ties with China while purchasing U.S. and French arms and increasing its participation in multilateral exercises. “In a region defined by great power rivalry, Indonesia’s refusal to choose sides—at least in defense—may be its strongest asset,” Rakhmat added.

China’s Response

The expanded scope of Super Garuda Shield has drawn criticism from Beijing. Chinese officials have accused the United States of attempting to build an “Asian NATO” through its military partnerships in the region. The accusation reflects growing Chinese unease with U.S.-led multilateral drills that bring together allies from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The United States, however, has maintained that the exercises are defensive in nature and designed to strengthen regional security. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking recently in Singapore, warned that countries in the region risk instability if they depend on Chinese economic ties while neglecting defense cooperation with other partners. “Seeking U.S. military support while relying on Chinese economic support carries risk,” he said.

Indonesia’s Balancing Relations

Despite its participation in the exercise, Indonesia continues to pursue close economic relations with Beijing. Chinese investments in infrastructure and energy projects remain critical to Jakarta’s development goals. Analysts say this dual-track approach allows Indonesia to enhance its defense capabilities without directly challenging China, while maintaining access to trade and investment.

“This dual-track diplomacy might seem inconsistent. But for Jakarta, it is strategic,” said CELIOS researcher Yeta Purnama. “Indonesia avoids confrontation but builds resilience through diversified defense cooperation.”

Pacific Vanguard in Guam

While Indonesia hosted Super Garuda Shield, another multinational exercise, Pacific Vanguard, began in Guam on August 25. This naval-focused drill involves maritime forces from the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Pacific Vanguard emphasizes anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and advanced maritime maneuvering. Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group Five, said the exercise demonstrates allied resolve. “The ability to come together seamlessly and integrate in all aspects of maritime operations is a testament to the abilities of every country involved,” he said.

Japan deployed helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH-182), destroyer JS Suzunami (DD-114), and fleet oiler JS Omi (AOE-426). South Korea sent destroyer ROKS Wang Geon (DDH-978), while the U.S. Navy deployed USS Higgins (DDG-76), support ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE-4), and P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force also contributed a P-8A Poseidon.