The Second Joint Sea Operation Exercise 2024 (Latopslagab) held in conjunction with the Commemoration of the 2024 Indonesian Naval Fleet Anniversary has completed, with proven and successful firing of missiles and rockets.
The two-day exercise began with a task force troop roll call at the Indonesian Navy’s Second Fleet (Koarmada 2) Headquarters in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday, December 9, 2024 led by Rear Admiral Ariantyo Condrowibowo, Commander of Koarmada 2, who was also Commander of the joint exercise.
Upon the completion of the opening ceremony, all participating personnel then moved to the location of the joint exercise on Gundul Island, Karimun Jawa Islands, Central Java.
Navy personnel successfully launched the Exocet MM-40 Block 3 Missile, the latest variant of missiles produced by European missile company MBDA, from the KRI RE Martadinata (KRI REM)-331 Warship. This precise firing was the culmination of the joint exercise on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali led the series of exercises directly from the KRI dr. Radjiman Wedyodiningrat (KRI RJW)-992 headquarters ship. Ali gave the order to launch the missile, which eventually hit a ground target 66.6 km away with high precision.
In addition to the Exocet missile, the exercise also featured the firing of the Marines’ RM 70 Grad rockets from the deck of KRI Teluk Amboina (KRI ABN-503) warship, adding to the success of the demonstration of the Indonesian Navy’s special weapons capabilities.
“This activity is meant to increase professionalism and readiness of the Jalasena (Navy) Soldiers. Bravo Zulu to all those involved,” Admiral Ali said in appreciation to the more than 2,000 Navy soldiers involved in the exercise. Bravo Zulu is a popular code in naval circles, meaning “well done” or mission successful.
The exercise involved various elements of Defense Equipment and personnel, including:
* Main firing element: KRI RE. Martadinata (KRI REM-331) warship.
* Reserve missile firing element: KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (KRI GNR-332) warship.
* Security elements: KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma (KRI AHP-355), KRI Frans Kaisiepo (KRI FKO-368), KRI Sultan Hasanuddin (KRI SHN-366), to KRI Sampari (KRI SPR-628) warships.
* Additional defense equipment: RM 70 Grad Marine Rocket, Scan Eagle drone, Camcopter S-100, bomber drone, and 4 Panther Helicopters and CN-235 Aircraft.
Assistant Operations Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Yayan Sofiyan emphasized that this Joint Exercise is a test of the readiness of the entire strategic weapons system. The exercise began with a target survey by a special team to ensure the accuracy of the shooting data.
The second Latopslagab, part of a series of joint naval exercises held in 2024 after the first one in May, is part of the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to maintaining state sovereignty and increasing operational readiness. This exercise aims to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime defense capabilities to face various threats in the future.
