US and Indonesian Military Drills Reveal Strategic Ambitions Amid Rising Asia Tensions

As thousands of troops from the United States, Indonesia, and a dozen other nations wrapped up the annual Super Garuda Shield military exercises in Indonesia, the event served as more than just a routine demonstration of force—it was an unmistakable signal of Washington's ongoing efforts to counterbalance China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.The drills, which included integrated airstrikes, ground maneuvers, and long-range artillery fire, culminated in an unprecedented live-fire exercise where U.S. forces deployed FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missiles on Indonesian soil for the first time. This milestone is emblematic of America's increasing commitment to projecting power through strategic partnerships...