Canada Signs a Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia’s Armed Forces
News release
August 25, 2025 – Ottawa, ON. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan signed a Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), the Indonesian National Armed Forces. This is a significant step forward for Canada’s bilateral defence partnership with Indonesia and demonstrates Canada’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
This new arrangement between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the TNI strengthens the military partnership between both nations and will increase collaboration in areas of maritime security, bilateral and multilateral exercises, and capacity building, among others. The positive impact of this arrangement can already be seen in the region, through the CAF’s participation in Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025. This year will see the largest CAF contingent participating in the Exercise, with members currently deployed on Operation HORIZON. This arrangement will also continue to build on our highly successful partnership under the Military Training and Cooperation Program, in which over 700 TNI members have participated since Indonesia joined in 2008.
The signing of this arrangement further strengthens our defence partnership with Indonesia, an influential partner in the region and a leading member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue to increase our defence and security cooperation with ASEAN member states, and work with our allies and partners to ensure a strong defence presence in the region.
As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region is vital to Canada’s future and global stability. Canada is, and will continue to be, an active, reliable and predictable partner in the region.
Quotes
“Formalizing our military cooperation with a key Indo-Pacific partner like Indonesia is vital to strengthening Canada’s ability to promote peace and stability in the region. By enhancing our interoperability with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, we ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces remain ready to uphold international law and defend Canadian sovereignty.”
- General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“Canada is honoured to advance our longstanding partnership with Indonesia through our new military cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This milestone underscores our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and capacity building. Guided by Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue working closely with Indonesia and ASEAN partners to strengthen peace, security, and resilience across the region."
- H.E. Jess Dutton, Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia
Quick facts
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This visit marks the first visit to Indonesia for General Carignan as the Chief of the Defence Staff. While in Indonesia, General Carignan participated in the opening ceremonies for Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD and held bilateral meetings with her counterparts.
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Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD is a multinational military exercise, led by the TNI, with participation from multiple partner nations. This exercise highlights the strength of international partnerships and the importance of joint operational readiness.
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As part of Canada’s Strategic Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we hold observer status for two ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) Expert Working Groups, one for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and one on Maritime Security. Observer status for both working groups is for the 2024-2027 cycle.
Associated links
Contacts
Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: laurent.decasanove@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca