Singapore and Indonesian Armed Forces Conclude Bilateral Counter-Terrorism Field Training Exercise Griffin Cakti

The Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) H225M helicopter and Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats inserting Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) personnel via air and sea.

The Republic of Singapore Navy’s Littoral Mission Vessel escorting the vessel of interest (VOI) during a simulation of a terrorist attack.

SOTF personnel climbing aboard the VOI.

Personnel from the DIS Defence Cyber Command sharing on emerging areas of interest in the cyber domain as part of the professional exchange during the exercise.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) successfully concluded Exercise Griffin Cakti, a bilateral Counter-Terrorism Field Training Exercise held from 2 to 4 June 2025 off the waters of Batam, Indonesia. The exercise involved approximately 160 personnel from both armed forces, comprising elements from naval, air, cyber and special operations units, with a closing ceremony co-officiated by Singapore's Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng and Commander-in-Chief of the TNI General (GEN) Agus Subiyanto.

Exercise Griffin Cakti featured integrated planning and execution of counter-terrorism scenarios, with emphasis on maritime security operations. Through detailed operational planning sessions and intensive training operations, both forces enhanced their mutual understanding of operational procedures, strengthening overall coordination capabilities. As part of the exercise, the special operations units from the SAF and TNI were inserted via sea and air to storm the vessel of interest, in order to neutralise the threat.

VADM Aaron Beng and GEN Agus Subiyanto co-officiated the closing ceremony at Batam on 4 June 2025.  At the ceremony, VADM Beng said, "Terrorism remains a threat that confronts both Indonesia and Singapore. We are close neighbours and close cooperation between us 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…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.”

Highlighting the importance of the exercise, Colonel Francis Goh, Deputy Commander Special Operations Task Force and co-Exercise Director, said, “This exercise demonstrates the strong defence partnership between Singapore and Indonesia. It has enhanced our interoperability between our two armed forces, and enabled us to work together in addressing maritime security challenges 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."

Exercise Griffin Cakti supports the continuous bilateral efforts between the SAF and TNI to enhance interoperability and cooperate against shared challenges. Aside from Exercise Griffin Cakti, TNI officers also work closely with the SAF in multinational centres such as the Information Fusion Centre and Counter-Terrorism Information Facility. These interactions are part of a broad-based and comprehensive defence relationship which includes a wide range of collaborative activities, including official visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and regular exercises. These engagements have enhanced interoperability, fostered professional learning, and strengthened interpersonal connections between personnel from both armed forces.