Indonesia and France Prepare for Garuda Guerrier Military Exercise in November 2026

Indonesia and France are preparing to conduct a joint military exercise named 'Garuda Guerrier' in France in November 2026. This exercise is positioned as part of efforts to further strengthen defense cooperation between the two nations. The plan was solidified during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and French Minister of Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin in Jakarta on September 23. "This meeting is to plan the Garuda Guerrier exercise in France in November 2026," stated Minister Sjamsoeddin. Currently, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) are engaged in the joint Air Maneuver Exercise (AMX) Pegase. This exercise includes Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) simulations, involving an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, two Rafale fighter jets from the FASF, and two Rafale jets from the TNI AU. The defense ministerial meeting also marked the first Annual Defense Minister Dialogue between the two countries. Minister Sjamsoeddin highlighted that the defense cooperation between Indonesia and France is supported by the good relationship between their leaders. He noted that the arrival of the first French-made Rafale fighter jet in Indonesia and the commencement of the construction of the first Scorpene-class submarine by PT PAL are symbolic of their cooperation in the defense equipment sector. PT PAL is set to collaborate with French defense company Naval Group for the submarine construction in Surabaya. "Moving forward, we will continue to cooperate to demonstrate that the defense relationship between Indonesia and France continues to develop. This is a very positive momentum, not only for the procurement of defense equipment but also for enhancing the professionalism of personnel and inter-armed forces relations," Minister Sjamsoeddin emphasized.