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The Indonesian Navy’s (TNI AL) Frogmen Command (Kopaska) needs to adapt its weaponry to advancements in technology and modern warfare systems.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The number and types of primary weapon systems (alutsista) available to the Kopaska remain limited. Additional weaponry is needed to enhance and align the elite force’s capabilities with advancements in modern warfare technology and systems.

“The current situation is uncertain. Kopaska needs to adapt to technological developments, specifically in special forces equipment and specialised intelligence materials (matsus),” said TNI AL Chief of Staff (KASAL), Adm. Muhammad Ali, during Kopaska’s 61^st anniversary celebration and the awarding of honorary brevets to four Navy officers at the Pondok Dayung Command Headquarters, Jakarta, on Friday (March 31, 2023).

These specialised materials include communication devices, surveillance tools, and sniper detection capabilities. Additional weaponry, such as tactical boats (sea riders), combat boats, and diving equipment, will also be upgraded to meet Kopaska’s operational standards.

M. Ali also noted that Kopaska in 3^rd Fleet Command (Koarmada III) is facing a personnel shortage. As a result, new recruits will be trained for Koarmada III. However, as a special forces unit, Kopaska does not require large numbers of personnel. 

“For special forces, the numbers are usually not too high. One Kopaska member is equivalent to a platoon,” M. Ali added.

He hopes Kopaska will continue to be professional and prepared for any situation—on land, at sea, or in the air. Kopaska is considered on par with the United States (US) Navy SEALs and the United Kingdom (UK) Special Boat Service (SBS) due to frequent joint training exercises.

According to defence analyst Fauzan Malufti from Semar Sentinel, strengthening Kopaska’s military capabilities must be accompanied by updated doctrines and appropriate technology. Both special forces and regular units must adapt to evolving threats and operational needs.

“As a special forces unit, Kopaska must have superior capabilities. This applies to the equipment they operate—all of it must be highly advanced,” M. Malufti stated.

Regarding coordination with other military branches or units, M. Malufti noted that Kopaska already has a strong collaborative framework. This is evident from regular training exercises, including those conducted with the Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion. Overall, the coordination and interoperability of Indonesia’s special forces have improved since the establishment of the Special Operations Command (Koopssus).

During the event, M. Ali awarded brevet insignia to four high-ranking TNI AL officers. They were RADM Denih Hendrata, Assistant for Naval Operations to the KASAL; RADM Erwin S. Aldedharma, Commander of 1^st Fleet Command; RADM Agus Hariadi, Commander of 3^rd Fleet Command; and RADM TSNB Hutabarat, Deputy for Research and Sensing at the Secretariat General of the National Resilience Council. The brevet is the highest honor awarded by Kopaska to officers.

Before the brevet ceremony, Kopaska conducted a training operation titled small boat operation. In this exercise, they deployed using tactical boats for a landing. They then advanced toward the brevet ceremony site while continuously engaging in live-fire maneuvers.

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