Indian and Indonesian special forces begin Garuda Shakti 2026 validation exercise
The 48-hour military exercise in East Java aims to test combat skills and tactical coordination in jungle terrain.
Special forces from the Indian Army and the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) started a 48-hour validation exercise in East Java on Tuesday, according to Telangana Today. The joint military exercise, known as Garuda Shakti 2026, is being conducted in jungle terrain to test the ability of troops to use specialised combat skills in difficult conditions.
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta stated on X that the exercise will assess endurance, decision-making under pressure, and tactical coordination. The training covers various skills including marksmanship, mountaineering, patrolling, combat tracking, and heli-borne operations to prepare the teams for complex joint missions.
Earlier on Saturday, the forces participated in simulated combat tracking exercises in Banyuwangi. The Indian Embassy noted that this training involved reading the ground to pursue targets and using drones for reconnaissance and situational awareness in dense environments.
The Garuda Shakti exercise began on October 27 in Banyuwangi, with the Ministry of Defence stating that jungle warfare training will continue until November 6. The Indian contingent includes members of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian side is composed of Indonesian Special Forces personnel.