Indonesian Navy Tests Unmanned Vessel 'Berani Mati' in Amphibious Operation Exercise

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) tested an unmanned vessel named "Berani Mati" during the 2026 Amphibious Operation Exercise (Latopsfib) in Tanjung Burung and Tanjung Pasir, Tangerang Regency, on Thursday (12/11/2026).

This autonomous ship or unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was showcased in front of Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who directly observed the drills.

“The TNI AL is continuously enhancing its readiness and combat capabilities through the implementation of the Trisula Nusantara Shield Doctrine in Latopsfib 2026, deploying warships, special forces, and Marines, as well as demonstrating the autonomous vessel ‘Berani Mati’,” said a statement from the Navy’s public relations office on Thursday.

Latopsfib is a tactical exercise for TNI AL to test operational readiness, mobility, and soldiers' capabilities to infiltrate and land troops on coastal areas or specific targets.

In this exercise, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) dispatched three T-50 Golden Eagle fighter jets, a Caracal helicopter, and a Super Puma.

The exercise commenced with combat divers from Kopaska infiltrating to inspect and secure the beach designated for landing.

Subsequently, the three T-50 Golden Eagle jets carried out direct airstrikes.

The attacks were supported by fire from the KRI TOM-357 and KRI JOL-358 to neutralize enemy defenses.

Marines then advanced toward the target beach with support from fighter jets and helicopters.

The Caracal helicopter secured the landing area, while HU-4205 and HU-4206 helicopters deployed troops to assault from the land sector.

At the target site, Kopaska also deployed a fast-action special boat (PCAK) equipped with a gatling gun.

Meanwhile, a Kopaska RHIB conducted a combat assault support transport (CAST) operation.

“In the next phase, a beach clearance was executed to ensure the landing area was free from threats, followed by the emergence of combat divers from the ocean floor and the operation of the Kraka jet boat over the beach (OTB) as part of the overall operation,” the statement continued.

The combat scenario concluded after the landing forces successfully captured and secured the target.

“In addition to honing personnel skills and readiness of military equipment, the deployment and testing of USVs also form part of the development of unmanned technology utilization as a supporting element of modern warfare,” the statement added.