The Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps deployed its Vampire MLRS 122-mm rocket launcher during the Super Garuda Shield 2026 joint military exercise, according to a Marine Corps statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. Held on Friday, September 4, the live-fire event took place at the Baturaja Combat Training Center in South Sumatra to test both the weapon system’s capabilities and the operational skills of participating personnel.
Super Garuda Shield 2026 Scope and Participants
The joint military drills involve 4,743 personnel from 21 countries gathered in Indonesia to test operational readiness, defense diplomacy, and capabilities to address various security challenges. According to Indonesian Military Chief General Agus Subiyanto, the annual exercise spans across Indonesia from August 31 to September 11, 2026. Speaking in Bandung, West Java, on Monday, August 31, Agus noted that the personnel are taking part in 12 training activities. The 21 participating nations comprise Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, India, Britain, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, New Zealand, France, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Weaponry Showcase at Baturaja Combat Training Center
During the live-fire exercises in South Sumatra, international forces displayed several advanced rocket-launching systems alongside the Indonesian Marine Corps’ Vampire MLRS. Participating nations showcased hardware including the United States M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, commonly known as HIMARS. The Marine Corps reported that the entire exercise concluded successfully without any incidents. Military officials expect the drills to improve personnel proficiency in operating complex weapon systems while strengthening military ties among all participating countries.
Did You Know? Super Garuda Shield 2026 is an annual multinational exercise running from August 31 to September 11, bringing together 4,743 personnel across 12 distinct training activities in Indonesia.
Beyond testing the technical limits of tactical hardware like the Vampire MLRS and HIMARS systems, these live-fire drills provide critical operational interoperability practice for troops navigating shared security environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the Vampire MLRS deployed?
The Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps deployed the 122-mm rocket launcher on Friday, September 4, 2026, during a live-fire exercise at the Baturaja Combat Training Center in South Sumatra.
How many countries are participating in Super Garuda Shield 2026?
Twenty-one countries are participating in the 2026 exercise, involving a total of 4,743 personnel across 12 training activities held from August 31 to September 11, 2026.
What other rocket-launching systems were displayed during the exercises?
Participating nations displayed various rocket-launching systems, including the United States M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS.
What other joint operational skills are multinational troops focusing on during this year’s deployment across Indonesia?