The Indonesian and Thai navies are conducting a joint drill, codenamed “Sea Garuda AB-13” from September 9-19 in the East Java province capital of Surabaya, Indonesia.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commodore Ari Soedewo, the commander of the Sea Battle Force of the Eastern Fleet Command, said that the activity’s objective is to further improve cooperation between the two countries’ navies while raising their capabilities through joint sea operations.

The biennial exercise also aims to maintain and increase cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand under the regional security and enhancement framework.

The drill include basic exercises (for strengthening the capabilities of navy personnel), pre-sail briefings, tactical games, communication checks and sea maneuvers, Col. Rachmad Jayadi, the commander of Garuda Sea Joint Exercise was quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying.-VNA