Russia and Indonesia to Hold First Joint Naval Exercise in November 2024
Russia and Indonesia are set to conduct their first joint naval exercise in early November 2024. This exercise marks a strategic step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
The Head of the Indonesian Navy Information Office (Kadispenal), Rear Admiral TNI I Made Wira Hady, stated that the exercise will take place at the Eastern Fleet Command (Koarmada II) in Surabaya, East Java, from November 3 to 8, 2024, under the official name TNI AL and Russian Navy Bilateral Exercise ORRUDA-2024.
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Forces Involved and Exercise Preparations
Both navies will deploy their main forces for the exercise. The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) will send two Republic of Indonesia Warships (KRI) and one helicopter.
Meanwhile, the Russian Navy will deploy three modern warships from the Pacific Fleet and one helicopter. "This exercise will strengthen the maritime cooperation that has been established between Indonesia and Russia," said Wira.
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Friendly Visit of the Russian Fleet
According to the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, this joint exercise represents a significant moment, as it includes a friendly visit by the Russian fleet to the Port of Surabaya.
"In November, three of our modern corvettes from the Pacific Fleet will arrive in Surabaya as part of the first military exercise involving the navies of both countries," Tolchenov explained in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS.
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Large-Scale Exercise to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
This exercise marks a new milestone in the bilateral maritime relations between Indonesia and Russia. Tolchenov added that visits by Russian warships to Indonesia and vice versa have become an annual occurrence.
However, for the first time this November, both countries will engage in a large-scale exercise involving the primary forces of their navies.
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Plans for Regular Exercises
Furthermore, Tolchenov opened the possibility of scheduling such exercises regularly, every two years.
This is a progressive step in enhancing strategic defense cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, especially following the visit of Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto to Russia in July 2024, where he met with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin
This joint exercise is not only an opportunity to improve the combat capabilities of both navies but also serves as a symbol of friendship between Indonesia and Russia amid the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The ORRUDA-2024 exercise is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance maritime security stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
