Exercise Keris Strike 2024 Concludes with Participation from Malaysian, US and Australian Forces

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Chief of Malaysia Army General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan today officiated the closing ceremony of Exercise Keris Strike Series 29/2024 at Sikuati Beach, Kota Belud, Sabah.

This trilateral exercise, conducted jointly by the Malaysian Army (TDM), United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC), and the Australian Army (TDA), spanned 15 days.

A total of 3,141 military personnel participated, including 2,388 from the Malaysian Army, 617 from USARPAC, and 136 from the Australian Army.

The Malaysian Army Chief also observed the final assault phase of the Battle Group before concluding the exercise with a ceremony that involved the removal of TOHA (gear worn by representatives of Blue and Red Forces, Exercise Control (EXCON), Higher Control (HICON), and Doctrine and Training Evaluation Teams.

In his speech, the Malaysian Army Chief emphasized the importance of this exercise in exchanging military knowledge and experiences, as well as strengthening trilateral relations among the three countries.

 

He noted that Exercise Keris Strike is a manifestation of active cooperation between Malaysia, the United States, and Australia, enhancing the interoperability and understanding of all participating forces through standardized operating procedures (SOPs) that will boost the capabilities of the participating nations’ militaries as a unified team.

“Throughout the exercise, various knowledge-sharing and expertise exchange activities were conducted, including cross-training (CTX) in airborne operations, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) on topics such as multi-domain operations, CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and explosive), offensive operations, and staff exercises (STAFFEX) exposing participants to staff functions in operations.

“ Combined live-fire exercises (CALFEX) involved artillery, armor, mechanized units, and battalion support weapons,” he said, as quoted by local media.

Field training exercises (FTX) were also held, including an advance phase by the 5th Brigade formation from Kota Belud to Sikuati, covering a distance of 114 kilometers, culminating in an assault, air assault, and airborne operation on the objective in Sikuati.

Various assets were showcased during the open day event with the community, including Black Hawk helicopters (UH-60L and HH-60L), Lipan Bara (AV4), Chinook helicopters, Gempita, Agusta A109 LOH helicopters, and various other ground vehicles.

“The selection of Sabah as the location provides a new environment for participants to understand geostrategic issues occurring in the South China Sea amidst various security threats. Through strategic cooperation such as joint military exercises, international confidence in maintaining peace in the region can be enhanced,” he added.

The closing ceremony was also attended by Lieutenant General James (Jamie) B. Jarrard, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC); Major General Ash Collingburn, 1st Australian Division Commander; Lieutenant General Dato’ Mohd Sofi Md Lepi, Eastern Field Commander, Malaysian Army (PMTTD); Major General Dato’ Khairul Azmizal bin Ahmad Natal, Commander of the 10th Brigade (PARA), and other dignitaries. — DSA