The joint Russian-Indonesian naval exercises, Orruda-2026, have been held in Vladivostok.
Photo by Vitaly Ankov, RIA Novosti
In the implementation of the military exercise, tactical and technological capabilities were improved, through: 1) Unmanned Defense Test, by testing the doctrine and readiness of combat soldiers in facing modern threats such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and drones (UAVs); 2) training visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) capabilities, artillery firing (gunnery exercise), and medical evacuation at sea. Thereafter, Jakarta has increased the strengthening of defense diplomacy and upgraded Indonesia’s strategic position in the region, through: 1) Free and Active Foreign Policy, by demonstrating Indonesia’s strategic partnerships that establish good relations with various global military powers without taking sides; 2) Regional Deterrence, by strengthening the deterrence effect and readiness to maintain regional maritime stability.
Exercise Orruda 2026 is the second bilateral joint naval exercise between Indonesia and Russia, following the inaugural exercise held in the Java Sea in November 2024. The exercise took place in two phases, beginning with land activities in Vladivostok on July 25, 2026, which include protocol, sports, cultural activities, and a visit to the Pacific Fleet Museum. The exercise continued with a naval exercise phase in the Sea of Japan on July 29-30, 2026.
The official opening of the exercise was conducted by Admiral Viktor Liina, Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, and Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy. The Russian side participated in the exercise with the corvette Sovershenny from the Pacific Fleet, while Indonesia was represented by the frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai-332, equipped with a Panther HS-1310 helicopter. In addition to deploying warships, Indonesia also sent elite Kopaska special forces, divers, and a medical team.
Exercises and Enhancement of Operational Capabilities
The Orruda Exercise has been held since 2024 and is a form of affirmation of Jakarta’s active foreign policy with every country in the Asia Pacific region. Orruda 2026 included a series of exercises designed to enhance interoperability and combat readiness between the two navies. Activities included joint maneuvers, multi-signal communication, artillery firing exercises against various targets, military inspection, and rescue operations .
Another important aspect was the implementation of military exercises to address contemporary maritime threats, including attacks from unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The two countries also conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercises, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). Deck helicopters from both countries landed on each other’s ships.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the exercise demonstrated a high level of interaction among the sailors and their readiness to effectively complete assigned tasks together. The successful implementation of this exercise clearly reflects the increasingly close defense cooperation between Indonesia and Russia, particularly in the field of maritime security.
Defense Diplomacy Framework and Bilateral Relations
Indonesia’s participation in Exercise Orruda 2026 is part of defense diplomacy to strengthen its relationship with Russia. Assistant Operations Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan stated that the presence of the KRI GNR-332 in Vladivostok represents Indonesia’s diplomatic commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with Russia. This exercise also represents a continuation of the bilateral cooperation reactivated through the Navy-to-Navy Talks (NTNT) agreement between the two countries.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchenov clearly emphasized that military-technical cooperation remains an integral part of bilateral relations. Although currently still conducted behind the scenes, this cooperation continues, with Indonesia’s interest remaining strong. This aligns with the long history of bilateral defense relations between the two countries, where from 1992 to 2018, Russia delivered more than US$2.5 billion worth of weapons to Indonesia.
Geopolitical Dimension and Strategic Significance
The implementation of Exercise Orruda 2026 in the Sea of Japan is inseparable from the broader geopolitical context. This exercise takes place amidst global tensions, including the US–Iran conflict, which adds a strategic dimension to Indonesia–Russia defense cooperation. For Indonesia, cooperation with Russia is part of its independent and active foreign policy, enabling the country to maintain balanced relations with major powers.
For Russia, this exercise is a display of its influence and military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region amidst isolationist efforts by Western countries. Exercise Orruda 2026 is being conducted in parallel with Russia’s participation in various other international military exercises, including the Selong exercise with Mongolia and the Maritime Interaction exercise with China.
The USD 200-350 million procurement agreement for the BrahMos missile, co-developed by India and Russia, also demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities through cooperation with Russia. The Indonesian government is currently in talks with Russia to build rocket launch infrastructure or a spaceport in Biak (Papua). The space rocket launch center will be the only one located in the Southeast Asia region.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Although Indonesia–Russia defense cooperation continues to show positive trends, there are also a number of challenges that need to be anticipated. The USD 1.1 billion procurement agreement for 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, signed in 2018, remains delayed. External factors such as international sanctions against Russia and the dynamics of Indonesia’s relations with other countries could impact the continuation of this cooperation.
Nevertheless, the commitment of both countries to continue the Orruda exercises every two years demonstrates the continuity of bilateral cooperation. Exercise Orruda 2026 not only successfully strengthened the interoperability and operational capabilities of both navies, but also strengthened defense diplomacy through direct interaction between naval personnel, the exchange of experiences, and the ongoing building of mutual trust in addressing future maritime security challenges.
Exercise Orruda 2026 is truly a significant milestone in Indonesia’s military-defense cooperation with Russia. This joint exercise, held in the Sea of Japan, demonstrates an improvement in the quality of bilateral cooperation compared to the inaugural exercise in 2024, with a more complex scope and the involvement of various forces, including special forces and helicopters.
For Indonesia, this joint military exercise strengthens defense diplomacy and naval operational capabilities in addressing various maritime threats. For Russia, this exercise is a display of its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The success of Exercise Orruda 2026 demonstrates that Indonesia-Russia defense cooperation has a strong foundation and positive prospects for continued growth in the future, in line with the national interests of both countries and the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Hendra Manurung is currently Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Department of Defence Diplomacy, Faculty of Defence Strategy, Republic of Indonesia Defence University
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