Indian Special Forces Join Indonesian Kopassus for Joint Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 in Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia - A 25-member contingent from the Indian Army departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, to participate in the ninth edition of the joint special forces exercise, GARUD SHAKTI 24. Scheduled from November 1st to November 12th, 2024, the exercise brings together elite soldiers from both nations’ Special Forces to strengthen military cooperation and share best practices in combat and tactical operations.

The Indian team is represented by highly skilled troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent of 40 personnel is drawn from the prestigious Indonesian Special Forces unit, Kopassus. Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is focused on enhancing mutual understanding, trust, and interoperability between the Special Forces of India and Indonesia. The exercise will promote camaraderie and help both sides understand each other’s operational techniques, aiming to improve the capacity for joint operations in real-world scenarios. 

Brigadier General Joko Prihanto of the Indonesian Army and Colonel Rajiv Menon of the Indian Army both emphasized that this exercise not only reinforces bilateral ties but also provides essential exposure to each country's operating procedures, strengthening bonds and enhancing operational efficiency. “The synergy and skills shared through GARUD SHAKTI demonstrate our joint commitment to regional security and counter-terrorism initiatives,” noted Brigadier General Prihanto.

Key Elements of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24  

GARUD SHAKTI 24 is structured to simulate high-intensity combat scenarios, including special operations planning, advanced tactical manoeuvres, and the execution of complex missions. Both armies will rehearse these drills to ensure seamless coordination in joint operations. Key elements of the exercise include:  

• Tactical Military Drills and Planning: Teams will participate in tactical and strategic discussions to align and integrate operational standards, highlighting each force’s best practices.  
• Advanced Special Forces Skills: The exercise will serve as an orientation to advanced special forces skills, with both armies demonstrating and practising critical manoeuvres in Special Forces Operations.  
• Weapon and Equipment Familiarization: Both contingents will exchange knowledge on weaponry, equipment, and recent innovations to further enhance combat capabilities. Additionally, troops will discuss tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), gaining insights into each other’s equipment handling and maintenance practices.  
• Joint Operations in Jungle Terrain: The participating forces will conduct Special Forces operations specifically in dense jungle terrain. This segment includes mission rehearsals such as infiltration, navigation, and strikes on simulated terrorist camps, testing the soldiers’ adaptability and coordination in challenging environments.  
• Validation Exercise: The event will culminate in a final Validation Exercise, where combined teams will demonstrate basic and advanced skills in a coordinated simulation, designed to test the efficacy of the joint force in a real-world operational scenario.  

Strengthening Bonds and Building Shared Security Objectives  

GARUD SHAKTI 24 goes beyond tactical operations to foster a deeper understanding of both countries’ cultures and lifestyles, promoting camaraderie between the soldiers of the two nations. Both contingents will take part in social and cultural exchanges, aiming to build a foundation of friendship that enhances trust and cooperation beyond the battlefield.

Colonel Menon commented on the significance of the exercise, noting that such collaborations offer invaluable experience, allowing soldiers to learn from each other and incorporate diverse perspectives into their operations. “Exercise GARUD SHAKTI is a prime example of our shared commitment to security and our resolve to address mutual challenges through cooperation and tactical readiness,” he added.  

Regional Security and Bilateral Relations  

Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 is a testament to the strengthening of defence ties between India and Indonesia. India and Indonesia, as friendly nations with shared strategic interests, have been committed to bilateral military engagements that enhance operational effectiveness and address evolving security concerns.  

This edition of GARUD SHAKTI is expected to pave the way for expanded defence cooperation and future joint military initiatives. The knowledge and skills exchanged during this exercise will benefit both forces, building a robust foundation for operational readiness and tactical innovation.