New Delhi: A bilateral training exercise “Austra Hind 22” between the armies of India and Australia will kick-start in Rajasthan from Monday. The bilateral training exercise between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian Army is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan), a press release by the defence ministry informed.
Scheduled from November 28 to December 11, this is the first exercise in the series of 'Austra Hind' with the participation of all arms and services contingent from both armies.
The statement further informed that the Australian Army contingent comprising soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division arrived at the exercise location. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment.
“'Austra Hind'” will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
"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 stated.
"This joint exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting tactical operations at Company and Platoon level for neutralising hostile threats," it added.
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The ministry informed that the planned exercises included training on new generation equipment and specialist weapons including snipers, surveillance & communication equipment to achieve a high degree of situational awareness apart from casualty management, casualty evacuation and planning logistics at Battalion / Company level.
During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of tasks ranging from joint planning, joint tactical drills, sharing basics of special arms skills, and raiding a hostile target.
"The joint exercise, besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two armies, will further help in strengthening ties between India and Australia," the statement read.