The fifth edition of Exercise VINBAX-24 is currently taking place in Ambala, Haryana. This joint exercise, scheduled from November 4 to 23, involves troops from the Indian Army and the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) in an effort to strengthen cooperation and interoperability. It spans the Indian Army’s Ambala and Chandimandir military cantonments in the Panchkula district.
Focused on training for United Nations peacekeeping missions, VINBAX-24 has expanded its scope this year to include air force personnel, marking a significant step forward in bi-service collaboration. Participants are undergoing training on deploying and employing engineering units and medical teams to enhance joint capabilities in UN-mandated operations, disclosed Indian army officials.
A combined engineering task force conducted a road-opening exercise as part of the exercise, while the medical teams executed a disaster management drill. Air force personnel from both countries also shared insights and best practices for employing air assets in UN rehabilitation missions. Attendees witnessed the deployment of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Chinook helicopters in various engineering support roles, the officials said. The joint contingent also engaged in sports and physical training sessions, fostering camaraderie.
VINBAX-24 sees both Army and Air Force personnel from each nation participating together for the first time. The Indian contingent includes 47 personnel, comprising members of the Corps of Engineers and other arms and services. The Vietnamese team, of a similar size, includes troops from the Vietnam People’s Army.
Key activities conducted to date include:
- CUNPK (Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping) phase: Operations training for UN missions.
- Construction Engineering Training: Exercises in UN-mandated construction techniques, including assembly of prefabricated shelters, HESCO barriers, container-based walls, and other infrastructure.
- Medical Training: Casualty handling and disaster management drills.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Training: Joint integration exercises with the State Administration.
- Air Assets Integration: Chinook and MI-17 helicopters are used for underslung operations carrying engineering equipment; ALH helicopters are used for personnel and material transport.
The goal of VINBAX-24 is to deepen Indo-Vietnamese collaboration by building joint capabilities in engineering and medical deployment for peacekeeping roles. This year’s expanded field training exercise highlights the growing confidence and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Vietnam People’s Army, reinforcing mutual support in international peacekeeping under the United Nations Charter’s Chapter VII.
Team BharatShakti
