JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Russian Navy are preparing to conduct their inaugural joint military exercise, named “Latma Orruda 2024,” in Surabaya, East Java, from November 4 to 8, 2024.

This exercise marks a significant step in enhancing the operational cooperation between the two nations.

Admiral TNI I Made Wira Hady Arsanta Wardhana, the Chief of the TNI AL Information Service, explained that this exercise follows the Navy-to-Navy Talks held in 2018. The primary objectives of Latma Orruda include improving collaboration between the two navies, strengthening interoperability, and assessing the capabilities of TNI AL personnel.

Preparations for the exercise are currently underway at the TNI AL’s Command Headquarters in Surabaya. Admiral TNI Ariantyo Condrowibowo is leading a series of planning meetings aimed at finalizing the details of the exercise. These discussions are crucial for ensuring all logistical and operational aspects are well-coordinated.

“Latma Orruda will consist of two main phases: the harbour phase and the sea phase,” said Wardhana.

The TNI AL will deploy the frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332 and the corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo-368, along with the AS565 MBe anti-submarine helicopter, known as “Panther,” which is an essential asset for the Indonesian Navy.

On the Russian side, three corvettes—RFS Sovershennyy, RFS Gromky, and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov—will participate. Additionally, they will deploy the medium tanker RFS Pechenga, a KA-27 helicopter, and the salvage tug Alatau. Notably, these vessels were also involved in the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) in Makassar in 2022.