India, Australia launch 3rd edition of joint military exercise

New Delhi, Nov 8: The 3rd edition of the joint military exercise "AUSTRAHIND" between India and Australia kicked off today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra.

Scheduled from November 8 to 21, this annual exercise alternates between the two nations, with the previous edition held in Australia in December 2023.

The Indian contingent, consisting of 140 personnel, includes soldiers from the DOGRA Regiment and 14 members of the Indian Air Force. On the Australian side, 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, 2nd Division, will participate, showcasing the collaborative strength of both nations.

The primary aim of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between India and Australia, focusing on joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert environments. The exercise operates under the framework of Chapter VII of the UN mandate, emphasizing counter-terrorism strategies.

The exercise will be conducted in two main phases:

Combat Conditioning and Tactical Training Phase: This phase includes rigorous physical training, joint planning sessions, and tactical drills.

Validation Phase: This final phase involves rehearsals of key tactical scenarios, such as: Responding to terrorist threats and securing defined territories, Establishing a Joint Operations Centre, Conducting joint counter-terrorism operations, including raids and "Search and Destroy" missions, Securing helipads and employing drones for surveillance, as well as counter-drone measures, Special Heli-Borne Operations

Exercise AUSTRAHIND aims to provide both armies an opportunity to share best practices in conducting tactical operations. The drills are designed to enhance coordination, tactical expertise, and physical fitness, while fostering camaraderie between the soldiers of both nations.