NEW EASTERN OUTLOOK 🌐 (@NEO_Journal)

🇮🇩🛡🇷🇺Indonesia – Russia Military-Defense Cooperation in the Context of Exercise Orruda 2026 ➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿➿ The joint Russian-Indonesian naval exercises, Orruda-2026, were held in Vladivostok on July 29–30, 2026. This marks the second bilateral joint naval exercise between Indonesia and Russia, following the inaugural exercise in the Java Sea in November 2024. The exercise involved the Indonesian warship KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332. ✏️Hendra Manurung is Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Department of Defence Diplomacy, Faculty of Defence Strategy, Republic of Indonesia Defence University. ➡️The exercise took place in two phases: land activities in Vladivostok on July 25 (protocol, sports, cultural activities, and visit to the Pacific Fleet Museum), followed by the naval exercise in the Sea of Japan on July 29-30. Russia participated with the corvette Sovershenny; Indonesia with the frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 equipped with a Panther HS-1310 helicopter. Indonesia also sent Kopaska special forces, divers, and a medical team. Activities included joint maneuvers, artillery firing, Visit Board Search Seizure exercises, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The 2026 Orruda Military Exercise demonstrates Indonesia and Russia's commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties in the field of maritime defense and security. ➡️The exercise tested doctrine and readiness against modern threats—unmanned surface vessels and drones. Both countries' deck helicopters landed on each other's ships. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the exercise demonstrated a high level of interaction. Assistant Operations Chief Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan stated the presence of KRI GNR-332 represents Indonesia's diplomatic commitment to strengthening its relationship with Russia. Russian Ambassador Sergey Tolchenov emphasized that military-technical cooperation remains an integral part of bilateral relations—from 1992 to 2018, Russia delivered more than US$2.5 billion worth of weapons to Indonesia. 🟦The exercise takes place amidst global tensions including the US–Iran conflict—adding a strategic dimension to Indonesia–Russia defense cooperation. For Indonesia, cooperation with Russia is part of its independent and active foreign policy. For Russia, this exercise displays its influence in the Asia-Pacific amidst Western isolationist efforts. The USD 200-350 million procurement agreement for the BrahMos missile demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to strengthening defense capabilities. Indonesia is also in talks with Russia to build a spaceport in Biak—the only one in Southeast Asia. Challenges remain—the USD 1.1 billion procurement agreement for 11 Sukhoi Su-35 jets signed in 2018 remains delayed. Nevertheless, both countries are committed to continuing Orruda exercises every two years. Exercise Orruda 2026 is a significant milestone in Indonesia's military-defense cooperation with Russia. READ MORE #Indonesia #Russia #Orruda2026 #NavalExercise #DefenseCooperation #Geopolitics #AsiaPacific ✅@NewEasternOutlook