Australia participates in Exercise Keris Woomera 2026
Australia and Indonesia have commenced the biennial Exercise Keris Woomera 2026 in East Java. The military training involves amphibious landings and maritime integration to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations.
Why it matters
This exercise underscores the deepening defense ties between Australia and Indonesia in the context of regional Indo-Pacific security challenges.
Australia and Indonesia will work together for Exercise Keris Woomera 26, which has officially begun with an opening ceremony in the East Java port of Banyuwangi.
Commander Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC RAN, said the biennial exercise reinforced the strength of Australia’s security relationship with Indonesia.
“Indonesia is an essential and enduring partner for Australia, and it is significant that we share our largest overseas training activity for the year with the TNI,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Our ability to work together on this exercise reinforces our deep and longstanding partnership with Indonesia, underpinned by trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.”
This cooperation reflects Australia and Indonesia’s shared security interests, as outlined in the 2006 Framework for Security Cooperation (Lombok Treaty), 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, 2024 Defence Cooperation Agreement, and this year’s Treaty on Common Security (Jakarta Treaty).
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