Indonesian, Russian navies mark new level of interoperability in bilateral drills

Russia's Improved Kilo (Project 636.3)-class attack submarine RFS Ufa, seen here arriving in Surabaya ahead of an exercise with the Indonesian Navy. (Indonesia Ministry of Communications and Information Technology)

A bilateral naval exercise recently undertaken by the Indonesian and Russian navies was the most complex training activity between the two services yet, the former confirmed to Janes on 13 November.

In its reply to questions from Janes , a representative from the Indonesian Navy's Main Naval Base V in Surabaya also confirmed the exercise marked the first time a Russian Navy submarine has made a port call in the country.

The Indonesian and Russian navies conducted an inaugural bilateral training activity known as Exercise ‘Orruda' 2024 between 4 and 8 November in waters off Surabaya.

For the exercise, the Russian Navy deployed its Improved Kilo (Project 636.3)-class attack submarine RFS Ufa ; the Steregushchiy I-class corvettes RFS Gromky , RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov, and RFS Rezkiy ; and the Dubna-class replenishment vessel RFS Pechenga, according to details provided by the Indonesian Navy.

On its part, the Indonesian Navy deployed its Martadinata-class frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332) and the Diponegoro-class corvette KRI Frans Kaisiepo, which is emblazed with an AS565 MBe Panther helicopter.

Drills carried out as part of Exercise ‘Orruda' include vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations, cross-deck helicopter landings, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) serials.

In statement prepared for the media, Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali described Exercise ‘Orruda' as one that has not only elevated the professionalism of the service personnel but also enhanced diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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