NSW Teams Up with Indonesian Commandos for High-Stakes Joint Operations

Members of the Indonesian Navy’s elite Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA) participated in a joint combined exchange training (JCET) with a U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) unit from July 1 to July 26, 2024.

The training included maritime tactics, close-quarters combat, sniper shooting, tactical combat casualty care, casualty evacuation procedures, and mission planning.

JCET events highlight the partnership between the United States and Indonesia, enhancing bilateral relations, strengthening defense capabilities, and promoting interoperability among allied forces. They underscore the U.S. commitment to readiness in addressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

“These exercises offer a unique opportunity for both nations,” said a participating NSW operator. “They help forge lasting bonds, cultivate relationships, and exchange invaluable cultural insights, vital in both good times and bad.”

U.S. special operations forces maintain a forward-deployed posture, focusing on continuous engagement with partner nations. This ensures agile responses to emerging contingencies in the Indo-Pacific theater.

The United States and Indonesia share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing freedom of navigation and overflight. In November 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto signed a Defense Cooperation Arrangement. They discussed expanding training opportunities, increasing educational exchanges, and improving maritime domain awareness.

Naval Special Warfare remains the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, extending the Fleet’s reach and maintaining access for the Joint Force in both competition and conflict.