10-9-2023 (JAKARTA) Thousands of soldiers from the United States, Indonesia, Australia, and other allied forces demonstrated their armored capabilities in combat drills on the Indonesian island of Java on Sunday (Sep 10). This display of military strength comes at a time of heightened Chinese aggression in the region, prompting the strengthening of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
The drills, known as the Garuda Shield, kicked off on September 1 in Banyuwangi, a coastal district in East Java province. The two-week exercises involve live-fire drills and mark the first time Australia has deployed battle tanks outside its territory since the Vietnam War. Five M1A1 Abrams battle tanks from Australia and two Leopard-2 tanks from the Indonesian military are taking part.
In the dirt, shoulder to shoulder; in Main Battle #Tanks. #AusArmy working with Indonesia DF (TNI). #SuperGarudaShield #SGS2023 #M1A1Abrams #Leopard2@FORCOMDAusArmy | @COMD9Bde | @USARPAC | pic.twitter.com/a4nDpdFr9q
— 1st Armoured Regiment – Australian Army (@1_Armd_Regt) September 1, 2023
The annual Garuda Shield drills have been held between American and Indonesian soldiers since 2009. This year, the list of participants expanded to include the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Singapore, bringing the total number of troops involved to 5,000.
China perceives the expanded drills as a threat, accusing the United States of forming an Indo-Pacific alliance similar to NATO with the aim of constraining China’s growing military and diplomatic influence in the region.
Major-General Marcus Evans, the Commanding General of the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division, stated in an interview with The Associated Press that the inclusion of armored capabilities in the large-scale drills provides an opportunity for the allied forces and defense partners to test their weaponry and enhance their military readiness.
The Garuda Shield exercises are being conducted in various locations, including the waters around Natuna, situated in the southern portion of the South China Sea. While Indonesia maintains generally positive relations with China, it has expressed concerns about Chinese encroachments into its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The overlapping claims stem from Beijing’s unilateral declaration of the “nine-dash line.”
#Marines and Indonesian Service Members conduct a range during Exercise Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia, Sept. 1.
Super Garuda Shield 2023 has grown into a joint event, highlighting 7 participating and 12 observing nations’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. #USMC pic.twitter.com/PgkqHx484b
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) September 5, 2023
Jakarta has been unnerved by increased activities by Chinese coast guard vessels and fishing boats in the area. As a response, Indonesia’s navy conducted a large drill in July 2020 in the waters around Natuna.
Evans declined to comment on China’s longstanding opposition to US-led military drills in Asia. When asked about potential joint naval patrols with allies like Japan and the Philippines in or near contested waters, he emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with regional partners and allies to enhance overall readiness.
The multinational exercises aim not only to bolster combat readiness and sharpen the ability of allied forces to operate together but also to enhance military professionalism and strengthen partnerships, Evans explained.
Observers from Brunei, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, and East Timor are present at the joint multilateral exercise, known as Garuda Shield.
