Why in news?
Indonesia, the United States and several partner countries launched the multinational exercise “Super Garuda Shield 2025” in response to rising security tensions in the Indo‑Pacific region.
About the exercise
- Origins: Super Garuda Shield has been conducted annually since 2009. It focuses on combat readiness, interoperability among forces and regional security cooperation.
- Organisers: The exercise is jointly hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command.
- Participants in 2025: Besides Indonesia and the United States, participants include Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil and South Korea.
- Activities: The 11‑day event is held in Jakarta and Sumatra and features joint combat training, interoperability drills and live‑fire exercises. It strengthens coordination across air, land and sea operations.
Significance
- Regional security: The exercise reinforces defence ties among allies and partners in the Indo‑Pacific, a region marked by increasing rivalry.
- Collective deterrence: It demonstrates unity against attempts to change the status quo by force, especially in contested waters.
- Alliance building: The broad participation reflects an “arc of alliances” that promotes stability and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Conclusion: Super Garuda Shield 2025 underscores the importance of cooperation and preparedness in the Indo‑Pacific. Such exercises help participating nations build trust and maintain a rules‑based order.