Indonesia and Australia have launched their biennial joint military exercise, bringing together more than 2,200 personnel for an eight-day drill aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and interoperability.

According to Indonesia's Antara news agency, the Keris Woomera 2026 exercise is being held in Banyuwangi, East Java, from 12 to 20 October.

The exercise involves 1,235 personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and 1,000 personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The joint exercise includes amphibious landing operations, live-fire drills and integrated maritime operations involving the two countries' navies.

According to the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Force, said the exercise is intended to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries based on trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.

Jones described Keris Woomera 2026 as Australia's largest overseas military exercise this year, saying it would enhance the two countries' ability to deploy forces together, improve operational readiness and reinforce regional deterrence.

The exercise comes as Indonesia and Australia continue to deepen defence ties following the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in August 2024, which expanded cooperation in joint training, military education, maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

The agreement provides a broader framework for practical defence cooperation as both countries seek to enhance security coordination in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

Officials from both countries said the exercise reflects their shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and improving the interoperability of their armed forces through regular joint training.(ILKHA)