JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- In a strategic collaboration aimed at bolstering joint capabilities and fostering international defense ties, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is gearing up for the highly anticipated Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) Flash Thunder Iron 2024 alongside the elite US Navy SEALs.

Scheduled to commence from July 8 to 29 in Surabaya and Situbondo, East Java, this exercise promises to elevate operational readiness and enhance interoperability between the two forces.

Anticipation builds as logistical preparations intensify at the Juanda Naval Air Base (Lanudal) in Sidoarjo, East Java. The arrival of US Navy SEALs via the efficient Dornier DO-328 aircraft underscores the meticulous planning and collaborative spirit driving this bilateral training initiative.

Colonel Dani Achnisundani, Commander of Lanudal Juanda, expressed unwavering support for the endeavor, affirming their readiness to facilitate a seamless and successful JCET Flash Thunder Iron 2024. This commitment underscores Indonesia’s dedication to fostering international defense partnerships and upholding operational excellence in joint military exercises.

“We (Lanudal Juanda) will always be ready to provide full support for the smooth and successful activities of the JCET Flash Thunder Iron Training 2024 in accordance with orders from superior command,” said Danlanudal Juanda.

The JCET Flash Thunder Iron 2024 represents a pivotal continuation of the United States-Indonesia Bilateral Defense Discussion (USIBIDD) 2022 and Special Operation Force (SOF) Talks. Designed to refine tactical proficiency and strengthen cooperation in critical areas such as combat casualty care, small boat operations, and urban warfare tactics, this exercise is poised to deepen mutual understanding and operational synergy.

Reflecting on the impactful JCET Flash Thunder Iron 2023, which spanned 20 days across Jakarta, the Thousand Islands, and Bogor, the training regimen encompassed a spectrum of scenarios—from underwater navigation to comprehensive mission profiles.

Such comprehensive training not only fortifies operational readiness but also cultivates a shared ethos of professionalism and readiness among participating units.

As Indonesia and the United States embark on another chapter of collaborative training through JCET Flash Thunder Iron 2024, the stage is set for an immersive and transformative exchange of expertise and camaraderie.

Beyond enhancing military capabilities, this exercise underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and international security, epitomizing the strength of bilateral defense cooperation in the maritime domain.

This feature encapsulates the significance and multifaceted benefits of the upcoming JCET Flash Thunder Iron 2024, highlighting its pivotal role in fortifying strategic partnerships and advancing operational readiness in an evolving global security landscape (Uki Ruknuddin)