Indonesian Marine Corps showcases Czech-made Vampire rocket system at multinational Super Garuda Shield drill
Indonesia's Marine Corps deployed its RM-70 Vampire multiple rocket launcher during live-fire exercises at the Super Garuda Shield 2026 multinational military training event in South Sumatra, alongside advanced systems from 20 other participating nations.
Indonesian Marine Corps showcases Czech-made Vampire rocket system at multinational Super Garuda Shield drill
The Indonesian Navy's Marine Corps conducted live-fire operations with its RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system during the Super Garuda Shield 2026 exercise at the Baturaja Combat Training Center in South Sumatra on Friday, September 4.
The 122-mm rocket launcher, manufactured by Czech company Excalibur Army and mounted on a Tatra T-815-7 8×8 truck chassis, was deployed alongside rocket systems from other participating nations, including the United States M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The Indonesian Marine Corps acquired its Vampire MLRS units from the Czech Republic in 2016 to enhance the capabilities of Rocket Battalion 1.
According to a Marine Corps statement released Saturday, the live-fire exercise tested both the weapon system's operational capabilities and the proficiency of personnel operating it. The Vampire system can fire a full salvo of 40 rockets in less than 30 seconds with a maximum range of 20.3 kilometers, and carries an additional 40 rockets for rapid reloading.
The Baturaja facility, which was launched in December 2020 and covers nearly 3,000 acres, is equipped with combat training facilities that meet international standards. The Marine Corps confirmed that all exercise activities were completed successfully without incidents.
Multinational participation and system comparisons
The exercise brought together advanced military hardware from participating nations, allowing troops to observe different technological approaches to similar combat challenges. The U.S. HIMARS system displayed at the exercise has significantly greater range than the Vampire, capable of firing standard GMLRS rockets up to 92 kilometers and ATACMS missiles up to 300 kilometers.
Super Garuda Shield 2026 involves 4,743 personnel from 21 countries conducting operations across Indonesia from August 31 to September 11. The exercise, which originally began in 2006 as a bilateral training exchange between the United States and Indonesia, was expanded into a multinational event in 2022 when the "Super" prefix was added to reflect its increased scale.
While this year's participant count of 4,743 represents a slight decrease from the 5,400 troops involved in 2025, the exercise includes more participating nations than ever before, with India taking part as an observer for the first time.
Indonesian Military Chief General Agus Subiyanto said the participating countries are Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, India, Britain, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Laos, New Zealand, France, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
Super Garuda Shield is held every year in Indonesia. Twenty-one countries are participating this year, with 4,743 personnel taking part in 12 training activities.
Agus said in Bandung, West Java, on Monday, August 31.
Training objectives and military cooperation
The Marine Corps stated that the exercise aims to improve personnel proficiency in operating weapons systems and strengthen ties among military personnel from participating countries. The Indonesian Marine Corps, which consists of approximately 27,000 personnel and is commanded by three-star Marine Lieutenant General Endi Supardi, views the exercise as an opportunity to enhance operational readiness.
Super Garuda Shield 2026 is designed to test operational readiness, advance defense diplomacy and build capabilities to address various security challenges through 12 distinct training activities conducted across multiple Indonesian locations.