Australia and Indonesia kicked off a joint naval exercise, named “New Horizon”, in an attempt to operate more closely with each other at sea.

Frigate HMAS Arunta and tanker HMAS Sirius of the Royal Australia Navy arrived in Surabaya, Indonesia on November 9 for the exercise.

Cameron Steil, HMAS Arunta’s commanding officer, said the four-day exercise will focus on the areas of replenishment at sea, communication and firing drills.

Indonesian naval solders. (Photo: AAP)

The annual naval manoeuvre is the most important joint event of the two countries’ navies in fighting cross-border crime, human trafficking and terrorism.

After the exercise, HMAS Arunta and HMAS Sirius will head back to Australia, finishing their 2.5-month mission in Asia.

(Source: VNA)