U.S. military conducts joint defense exercises in Indonesia and the Philippines

Multilateral military exercises are increasing cooperation between the United States and its regional partners in Southeast Asia. As part of Super Garuda Shield 26 in Indonesia, multinational forces conducted joint live-fire exercises involving air defense tactics. U.S. Marines provided training on the FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense system to U.S. Army Soldiers, while Indonesian forces practiced using the Mistral 3 system to engage low-altitude threats.

In a separate defense cooperation effort, the United States Marine Corps has been assisting the Philippine Armed Forces in developing strike plans involving BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles. During maritime strike rehearsals at Camp Bojeador in Luzon, American and Filipino planners simulated targeting Chinese naval vessels, including guided-missile destroyers and frigates. These drills utilized Philippine Air Force Hermes drones to track surface groups, creating a simulated kill chain to integrate drone reconnaissance with coastal missile batteries for enhanced maritime deterrence.