S’PORE & INDONESIA CONCLUDE COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE

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S’PORE & INDONESIA CONCLUDE COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/4jun25_news1
04 Jun 2025 | OPS & TRAINING

S’PORE & INDONESIA CONCLUDE COUNTER-TERRORISM EXERCISE

About 160 personnel from the SAF and TNI took part in a bilateral counter-terrorism field training exercise, held from 2 to 4 Jun off the waters of Batam, Indonesia.

//STORY BY NICOLE YONG /PHOTOS BY CHUA SOON LYE & LOH YU ZE

SOTF personnel climbing on board the vessel of interest from a rigid hull inflatable boat.

There is a situation out at sea: terrorists have taken over a commercial vessel and the crew has been held hostage.

Special operations units from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) spring into action – inserting by sea and by air, they storm the vessel of interest (VOI) and work hand-in-hand to neutralise the threat. 

This was the scenario put to the test at Exercise Griffin Cakti, a bilateral counter-terrorism exercise between the SAF and TNI.

From 2 to 4 Jun, about 80 personnel from the SAF Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) and Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) as well as about 80 from the TNI Special Forces worked together in a series of counter-terrorism scenarios off the waters of Batam, Indonesia.

This year’s edition comprised elements from naval, air, cyber and special operations units, with an emphasis on maritime security operations.

Through the exercise, both countries’ forces enhanced their mutual understanding of operational procedures and strengthened overall coordination capabilities.

Check out the action here!

Ready for action: SOTF personnel approaching the VOI via air and sea.
Personnel from the SOTF roping down from the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s H225M Medium-Lift helicopter onto the VOI.
Another group of SOTF personnel climbing on board the VOI from a rigid hull inflatable boat.
Special forces from the TNI roping down from the EC725 helicopter to storm the VOI. The TNI also deployed a Komando Armada I vessel as part of the exercise.
Personnel from the SAF SOTF (cemtre) and TNI special forces carrying out a discussion on board the VOI. Exercise Griffin Cakti featured integrated planning and execution of counter-terrorism scenarios, with an emphasis on maritime security operations.
Mission accomplished! SAF and TNI personnel standing guard after successfully capturing their objective and neutralising the threat on the VOI.
SAF (right) and TNI personnel marking the successful completion of the exercise. The professional exchange and operational collaboration between both armed forces allowed for detailed operational planning sessions and intensive training operations.
Personnel from the Digital and Intelligence Service giving a cyber presentation to their counterparts from the TNI.
VADM Aaron Beng (pictured above) and COL Francis Goh (below) both highlighted that this exercise demonstrates the strong defence partnership between Singapore and Indonesia.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on 4 Jun, Deputy Commander SOTF and co-Exercise Director Colonel (COL) Francis Goh said: “(The exercise) enhances our interoperability between our two armed forces, and enable us to work together in addressing maritime threats in our region.

“The close collaboration between the special operations units of both SAF and TNI highlights the professionalism, readiness, and capabilities of both our armed forces, and importantly, to respond decisively to complex maritime threats in our region."

Strengthening ties: The SAF and TNI marked a successful conclusion to the three-day exercise.

Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, who co-officiated the closing ceremony with Commander-in-Chief of the TNI General Agus Subiyanto, noted that terrorism remains a critical and shared security threat to both nations.

“We are close neighbours and close cooperation allows us to better respond to this threat. Today’s exercise is part of our shared commitment to continue to build interoperability between our armed forces.”

He added: “We are very satisfied with the conduct of the counter-terrorism field training exercise and we are discussing further opportunities to deepen and strengthen our defence ties.”

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