Asia’s Largest Military Exercise: Japan’s Elite Ground Forces Shine in Super Garuda Shield
Tense and Close-up Filming! The exercise was held in Indonesia, and 22 countries, including the Ground Self-Defense Force, participated. The "Hymers," the main weapon that dealt a heavy blow to the Russian army on the Ukrainian front, also made an appearance!
Roar of the HIMARS
Hidden among the bushes, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) was placed. Mounted on a six-wheeled military truck, this weapon can travel at speeds of up to 85 km/h. After the U.S. provided it to the Ukrainian military in June 2022, it quickly overwhelmed Russian ground forces in the Donbas battles, playing a pivotal role in the successful counteroffensive.
With a thunderous roar, the HIMARS launcher tilted and fired, sending rockets flying in rapid succession, accompanied by red flames.
Next, U.S. and Indonesian personnel transport vehicles, along with Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force’s high-mobility vehicles, advanced with faint engine sounds. The Japanese amphibious troops, known as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, disembarked after advancing several hundred meters, setting up 120mm mortar systems and firing continuously to provide fire support to the frontline troops of all participating nations.
From August 26 to September 6, the multinational military exercise “Super Garuda Shield 24” took place across various bases and training grounds on Indonesia’s Java and Sumatra islands. Hosted by Indonesia and the U.S., with 22 countries participating, this exercise, which began in 2007 as a bilateral drill, is now the largest of its kind in Asia. The scene described above is from the climax of the exercise, a live-fire combat training session known as “CALFEX.”
Australia, India, and South Korea are also concerned about a Taiwan contingency
The operation is focused on reclaiming islands from enemy forces. The goal is to enhance joint operational capabilities and tactical skills through multilateral cooperation, while building military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF) have had few opportunities to train or engage with nations other than the U.S. military. With the rising risk of a Taiwan crisis, the GSDF has started joint training with countries like Indonesia and Australia, which feel threatened by China’s expansionist policies” (GSDF officer).
The GSDF’s elite 1st Airborne Brigade participated in the exercise, successfully carrying out airborne operations. Next time, South Korea and India are also expected to send troops.
The creation of new cooperation frameworks seems urgent.
From the October 11, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
Photography and text by： Masayuki Kikuchi
Military photojournalist
