IPOH: More than 4,000 personnel from the Malaysian Army, United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) and the Australian Army are participating in the Keris Strike Exercise Series 30/2025, a trilateral military cooperation exercise commencing on Thursday (July 17).
In a statement on Thursday, the Malaysian Army Public Relations Cell announced that the contingent includes 415 officers and 3,322 other ranks from Malaysia, 50 officers and 183 other ranks from USARPAC, as well as seven officers and 129 other ranks from Australia.
The annual exercise, now in its 30th iteration, aims to strengthen strategic cooperation, enhance joint operational capabilities and deepen military ties among the participating countries.
"Since its inception, Keris Strike has served as a key platform for combined training, featuring components such as Staff Exercise (STAFFEX), Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), Cross Training Exercise (CTX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX)," the statement said.
In 2024, the exercise marked a milestone with the inaugural participation of the Australian Army's Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB), based in Butterworth, Penang.
The exercise was officially launched at the parade ground of the Second Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment (2 RRD) here by Army deputy chief Lieutenant General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim, Australian Assistant Defence Advisor Wing Commander Mike Edwards and United States 25th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General Colonel Jim D. Kiersey.
Keris Strike 2025 features the Malaysian Second Infantry Brigade as the lead formation, supported by the US 1-27 Infantry Regiment from Hawaii's 25th Infantry Division and the Rifle Company Butterworth.
Running from July 17 to 29, the exercise covers strategic locations from Sungai Siput to Lenggong in Perak.
The FTX phase, set for July 24 to 29, will be the exercise's main event, demonstrating the readiness and joint coordination of the participating forces.
Beyond strengthening military camaraderie, the exercise symbolises Malaysia's and its partners' commitment to regional security and stability, the statement said. – Bernama
