A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System operated by members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment fires a rocket during Exercise Keris Strike, on July 30, 2025.
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LUMUT, Malaysia – Oklahoma National Guard members took part in a historic exercise when they showcased the precision firepower of the U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, for the first time on Malaysian soil, July 17-29.
Oklahoma Guard members from the 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, participated in the 25th iteration of Exercise Keris Strike. This trilateral exercise brings together military forces from the United States, Malaysia and Australia.
This year’s exercise featured a series of joint and combined operations, including a long-range precision live-fire event during which a HIMARS platoon from the 1-158 Field Artillery Regiment fired alongside a Malaysian Army ASTROS II rocket battery.
“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, [and to have] the opportunity to exchange experiences between the military to improve doctrine.”
Launching rockets from the training area near Lumut, both systems targeted simulated enemy targets over the Malacca Strait, showcasing the evolving capabilities and interoperability of both forces.
“The ability of joint forces combining to execute this mission is a testament to professionals from across the forces to come together and execute,” said Lt. Col. Kurt Jarvis, commander of the 1-158 Field Artillery Regiment.
“Our Soldiers get to share the field artillery profession with a partner nation, making both units stronger,” Jarvis said. “This is what our Soldiers signed up for – becoming proficient in their profession… and for opportunities like being the first HIMARS unit to fire in Malaysia.”
With the deployment of the HIMARS alongside the Malaysian ASTROS II, Keris Strike enabled real-world training. It showcased the Oklahoma National Guard’s ability to rapidly respond to calls and work alongside its partners and allies, wherever needed.
“Our Soldiers exercised polycentric leadership—operating without immediate oversight from higher echelons—which highlights the importance of training, fitness and individual readiness,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Elliott, command sergeant major of the 1-158 Field Artillery Regiment. “This exercise proved that our Soldiers are capable, adaptable and prepared to answer the nation’s call, anytime and anywhere.”
