Australia and Indonesian troops combine for amphibious assault on Exercise Keris Woomera
Australian Army and Indonesian Armed Forces soldiers disembark an LLC during an amphibious assault serial on Exercise Keris Woomera at Banongan Beach, Indonesia. ADF Photo
Australia and Indonesia have achieved a significant milestone in their defence collaboration, executing the largest joint amphibious assault ever conducted between the two nations. This high-profile operation took place last week as part of Exercise Keris Woomera 2024, showcasing a powerful display of military coordination and operational capability.
Under the protection of Australian Army Tiger attack helicopters and Indonesian Air Force F-16 fighter jets, a formidable combined force of troops, tanks, and military vehicles stormed Banongan Beach, East Java. The landing marked the climax of the month-long exercise, which began with the departure of HMAS Adelaide (L01) from Darwin. The Canberra-class landing helicopter dock, serving as the primary amphibious platform, played a central role in ferrying forces to the shore.
The exercise involved over 2,000 personnel conducting drills in both Australian and Indonesian waters. Indonesian Marines were embedded with their Australian counterparts from the outset, training together aboard Adelaide. This included a joint landing in Queensland before the concluding operation in East Java. HMAS Stuart (FFH 113), an Anzac-class frigate, joined Adelaide in the exercise, contributing to live-fire drills and maritime security operations.
Aside from the large-scale amphibious landing, the exercise incorporated a range of scenarios, including a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) evacuation. These diverse activities highlighted the adaptability and interoperability of the two nations’ armed forces.
Keris Woomera is a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific Engagement 2024, Australia’s annual series of defence and security activities designed to strengthen partnerships across the region. This year’s engagements span from August to December and include participation from Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
The joint assault on Banongan Beach follows the 2023 amphibious landing conducted during Exercise Alon in the Philippines, underscoring Australia’s growing focus on regional amphibious capabilities.
The increasing complexity and scale of joint exercises reflect the deepening ties between Canberra and Jakarta. The recent Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance military-to-military engagements and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Fauzan Malufti, an Indonesian defence analyst, emphasized the significance of Keris Woomera. “This exercise highlights the substantial and rapid increase in defence engagements between the two countries,” Malufti noted. However, he also pointed out untapped opportunities in defence industry cooperation, such as joint procurement, technology transfer, and development initiatives.
Keris Woomera 2024 serves as a testament to the shared commitment of Australia and Indonesia to regional stability and mutual security. As both nations continue to expand their defence collaboration, their partnership stands as a model for cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific.
