Lumut, Malaysia – A thunderous roar echoed over the Malacca Strait as a U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) released a streak of precision firepower into the sky — a dramatic moment marking a key highlight of Exercise Keris Strike 25.
This year’s iteration of the trilateral exercise features a historic first: a long-range precision live-fire event involving a HIMARS platoon from the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and a Malaysian Army ASTROS rocket battery. The combined firepower launched from the vicinity of Lumut, targeting an impact zone over the Malacca Strait, showcases the evolving capabilities and interoperability of both forces.
The HIMARS system, known for its unmatched range, accuracy, and mobility, embodies the future of Joint All-Domain Operations. It can launch a range of munitions — from a six-pack of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets to the long-reaching Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Compact and transportable via a C-130, the system allows for rapid deployment to any theater, offering commanders critical options for precision strike in any operational environment.
“This is an essential exercise because it not only shows we can build relationships and show the force of our long precision fires,” said Capt. Ryan Stockton, commander of 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, Oklahoma Army National Guard. “It demonstrates the cooperation between the Malaysians and the United States Army.”
While visually impressive, officials emphasize that the launch should not be misinterpreted as a threat. Rather, it is a deliberate, coordinated training event aimed at building shared readiness, trust, and regional security.
Exercise Keris Strike, now in its 25th year, brings together military forces from the United States, Malaysia, and Australia in a series of joint and combined operations, from live-fire drills and command post exercises to subject matter expert exchanges. These exercises are a cornerstone of multinational cooperation in Southeast Asia.
“This Training is important to train soldiers and test our systems, and this is the first time we conducted this exercise with two nations,” said Maj. Mohd. Arif bin Abdullah, Commander of the 52nd Royal Artillery Regiment, “It’s important to work together as we want to see the interoperability between the two countries. The opportunity to exchange experience between the Military to improve doctrine.”
Officials from the Malaysian Armed Forces closely coordinated all safety and environmental precautions. Questions regarding local impacts were addressed jointly, reflecting transparency and mutual respect between partner nations.
“Working side by side with the Malaysians to exchange policies and rocket safety and all-around rocket knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. Joy Quary, the 1-158th Field Artillery Regiment’s fire direction chief. “Building cohesion and confidence with our Malaysian counterparts is huge. We have had a great time getting to know the Malaysian Army.”
As the smoke cleared over the strait and the sound of rockets faded, the strategic message remained clear: strong partnerships, not provocations, are what shape the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific. Exercise Keris Strike 25 is a testament to that vision — one rocket at a time.
“This is a major milestone in the Field Artillery community,” said Capt. Stockton, “building essential relations and learning from one another, the other Battery command and I have worked cooperatively and shared a lot of experiences, which has been fantastic not only for the U.S. Army but the Malaysian Army .”