The ‘Austra Hind-22’ joint military exercise between the armies of Australia and India kicks off on Monday in Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, with an emphasis on UN peacekeeping missions.
The exercise, which will take place from November 28 to December 11, seeks to strengthen military connections, share best practises, and increase the capacity to work together. According to the Defence Ministry, this is the first exercise under ‘Austra Hind,’ with all weapons and services contingents from both nations’ militaries participating.
The Australian army contingent comprising soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division will take part in the exercise.
“Aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
For the joint exercise with Australia, the Indian Army will be represented by troops from the Dogra regiment.
The ‘Austra Hind’ will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
The ministry said that the joint military exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for carrying out tactical operations at the company and platoon levels for neutralising hostile threats.
According to Defence Ministry, training on new generation equipment and specialist weapons, including snipers, surveillance and communication equipment for a high degree of situational awareness as well as casualty management, evacuation, and planning logistics have been planned.
The militaries of India and Australia will participate in a variety of activities during the exercise, including collaborative planning, joint tactical drills, sharing the fundamentals of special weapons expertise, and raiding a hostile location.
According to the Defence Ministry, the combined exercise would assist enhance ties between India and Australia by enhancing understanding and interoperability between the two militaries.
