Multinational forces conducted a joint live-fire exercise utilizing the FIM-92 Stinger and Mistral 3 systems in Indonesia as part of Super Garuda Shield 26.
U.S. Marines with a low altitude air defense detachment coached U.S. Army soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division on the FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air-defense system designed to provide short-range air defense against low-altitude threats like drones.
Meanwhile, Indonesian soldiers with the 10th Air Defense Artillery Battalion practiced firing the Mistral 3 system, an advanced infrared-guided short-range weapon that typically utilizes ground tripods or vehicle mounts to neutralize low-flying aircraft and helicopters, DVIDS reports.
The training marks the second consecutive year of Stinger live-fire exercises during the multilateral engagement, expanding Stinger operations to infantry personnel. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Myers noted that the brigade integrated Stinger operations into infantry training for the first time, emphasizing that despite language barriers, the participating forces share a common objective to counter potential aerial threats.
The exercise involved approximately 2,500 U.S. personnel from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces training alongside the Indonesia National Armed Forces.
