India, Australia launch joint military drills

The Indian and Australian armies launched the joint military exercise Austra-Hind 2022 at Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (MFFR) in Bikaner, Rajasthan on November 28.

The drills will run until December 11, Outlook India reports, citing the Indian Defence Ministry.

The event will be a yearly event that will be conducted alternatively in India and Australia, the ministry said.

The Australian Army is represented by its second Division’s 13th Brigade while the Indian Army is represented by the Dogra Regiment.

“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. 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,” the ministry added.

During the exercise, participants are said to be engaged in a variety of tasks ranging from joint planning, joint tactical drills, sharing basics of special arms skills, and raiding a hostile target.

As reported, besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two armies, the joint exercises will expectedly further help in strengthening ties between India and Australia.