Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on April 13, 2026. They announced a Major Defense Partnership to advance bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership includes three pillars and over 170 annual joint military exercises.
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin was welcomed by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Arlington on Monday (April 13, 2026) local time. The meeting resulted in the announcement of a Major Defense Partnership as a framework to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth said, "Your visit demonstrates the importance of our growing security relationship—and this relationship is active and continues to grow—with Indonesia." He noted that the two countries complete more than 170 joint military exercises annually, strengthening regional deterrence and shared commitment to peace through strength.
Sjafrie affirmed Indonesia's enthusiasm to develop enduring defense ties for future generations. "We work on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit to advance our national interests," he stated.
The partnership rests on three pillars: military organization and capacity building, professional military training and education, and operational exercises. The nations will explore initiatives including advanced asymmetric capabilities, next-generation maritime, sub-surface, and autonomous defense technologies, as well as maintenance support for operational readiness.
