The 3rd edition of joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced yesterday at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. The exercise, which alternates between India and Australia, will be held from November 8th to 21st, 2024.
The Indian contingent, comprising 140 personnel, will primarily consist of a battalion from the DOGRA Regiment and 14 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Australian Army contingent, with 120 personnel, will be represented by the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, 2nd Division.
The primary objective of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is to foster military cooperation between India and Australia by enhancing interoperability in conducting joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert environments under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. The exercise will emphasize high levels of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.
The exercise will be divided into three phases: combat conditioning, tactical training, and validation. During the combat conditioning phase, drills and aspects to be rehearsed include responding to a terrorist action, establishing a Joint Operations Centre, conducting joint counter-terrorism operations such as Raid and Search and Destroy Missions, securing a helipad, employing drones and counter-drone measures, and conducting Special Heli-Borne Operations.
In the tactical training phase, the exercise will focus on sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting tactical operations. Additionally, it aims to develop camaraderie and bonhomie among the soldiers from both sides.