The third edition of the joint military exercise “AustraHind” between India and Australia kicked off today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. It is scheduled from November 8 to November 21. AustraHind, an annual exercise, alternates each year between India and Australia, with the previous edition held in December 2023 in Australia.
This year’s exercise features a 140-member Indian contingent, primarily from a battalion of the Dogra Regiment and supported by 14 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The 120-strong contingent representing Australia includes personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, part of the Australian Army’s 2nd Division.
According to the Indian Army, “Exercise AustraHind aims to bolster military cooperation between India and Australia by enhancing interoperability in joint sub-conventional operations, especially in semi-urban and semi-desert terrains, in line with Chapter VII of the UN mandate.” The exercise emphasizes physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical coordination.
Exercise #AustraHind 2024.
The opening ceremony of 3rd edition of Exercise #AustraHind 2024, a joint #military exercise between #India and #Australia, was held today at the Foreign Training Node, #Pune, #Maharashtra.
The exercise is scheduled from 08 to 21 November 2024. The… pic.twitter.com/0lG1YS9Rim
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 8, 2024
The exercise is structured in two phases: a combat conditioning and tactical training phase, followed by a validation phase. Troops will engage in joint drills, such as responding to simulated terrorist incursions, establishing a joint operations centre, and conducting counter-terrorism operations, including search-and-destroy missions and securing a helipad. Drones, counter-drone tactics, and special heli-borne operations will also feature in the drills.
Exercise AustraHind offers both sides the opportunity to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for tactical operations, fostering camaraderie and strengthening bonds between Indian and Australian soldiers.
Team BharatShakti
