Indonesia deploys frigate to Russia while scaling back for ‘RIMPAC'

KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai seen here in a file photo released by the US Navy. (US Navy)

The Indonesian Navy has deployed the frigate KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai to Vladivostok for Exercise ‘Orruda‘ 2026, marking Indonesia's inaugural warship deployment to Russia for the bilateral exercise.

The deployment comes as Indonesia participates in Exercise ‘Rim of the Pacific‘ (RIMPAC) 2026 without an assigned naval vessel, according to a participant list released by US Pacific Fleet.

It is the first time that Indonesia has not sent a vessel to RIMPAC since 2014, excluding the 2020 edition, which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indonesia's participation in ‘Orruda‘ 2026 was confirmed in an Indonesian Navy statement to Janes on 21 July.

In addition to I Gusti Ngurah Rai , the navy has dispatched special forces personnel, divers, and a medical team to Vladivostok for the exercise.

The statement described Indonesia's delegation as a continuation of defence co-operation initiated through the inaugural ‘Orruda‘ exercise, which was hosted by Indonesia in November 2024.

While Indonesia is still listed among the 31 participating countries in ‘RIMPAC‘ 2026, its contribution is limited to a contingent of Indonesian Marine Corps personnel, according to information released by the US Pacific Fleet.

The contingent is taking part in a range of activities including live-fire drills, fast-rope insertion training, close-quarters combat exercises, and multinational amphibious training events in Hawaii.

The reduced naval contribution contrasts with previous ‘RIMPAC‘ iterations.

Indonesia deployed the frigate KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata to ‘RIMPAC‘ 2024, while earlier exercises featured major Indonesian Navy surface combatants, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai .