Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2024 Commences in Pune: The AUSTRAHIND 2024, a joint military exercise between India and Australia, officially began at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra, on November 8, 2024. The exercise is scheduled to run until November 21, 2024, and aims to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing interoperability and improving joint operational capabilities.
Background of Exercise AUSTRAHIND
The AUSTRAHIND exercise is an annual event, conducted alternately between India and Australia. The previous edition of this exercise was held in Australia in December 2023. The current edition in Pune will focus on sub-conventional military operations, specifically in a semi-urban environment and semi-desert terrain. This exercise is being conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, emphasizing the importance of joint tactical drills, counter-terrorism operations, and operational readiness.
Key Participants and Structure of the Exercise
This year’s exercise brings together 140 Indian military personnel, including a battalion from the DOGRA Regiment and 14 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Australian Army contingent consists of 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, 2nd Division. These contingents will collaborate to improve coordination and efficiency in joint operations, with a focus on high physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
Objectives of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2024
The primary goal of AUSTRAHIND 2024 is to enhance military cooperation between India and Australia, fostering a high level of interoperability in joint operations. The exercise aims to refine the ability of both countries’ forces to conduct sub-conventional operations in challenging terrains, including semi-urban and semi-desert environments.
- Inauguration of TATA Aircraft Complex for C-295 Manufacturing in Vadodara
- Bhubaneswar Wins ‘Best Public Transport System’ at 17th Urban Mobility India Conference 2024
- 69th National Film Awards 2023
- INS Sumitra: A Versatile Naval Asset
- Himachal Pradesh’s Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park to Become India’s First IGBC-Certified Zoo: Chief Minister Sukhu
Phases of the AUSTRAHIND Exercise
The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, combat conditioning and tactical training, will focus on enhancing operational preparedness. Drills during this phase will include responses to terrorist actions, establishing a Joint Operations Centre, and practicing joint counter-terrorism operations such as raids and search-and-destroy missions.
Validation Phase
The second phase, the validation phase, will test the integration of various tactical operations, including securing a helipad, conducting Special Heli Borne Operations, and employing drones for surveillance and counter-drone measures.
Drills and Operations During the Exercise
Some of the drills to be conducted include the securing of a helipad, executing search and destroy missions, and counteracting drone threats. The exercise will also see personnel practice joint missions in response to terrorism, thereby increasing their capacity for rapid deployment and coordinated action in real-world scenarios.
Significance of AUSTRAHIND for Indo-Australian Relations
The AUSTRAHIND exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing the defense ties between India and Australia. As both nations share strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, such exercises strengthen military cooperation and ensure readiness for future collaborative operations.
MCQs Based on the Article:
1. Where did the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2024 take place?
a) New Delhi
b) Pune, Maharashtra
c) Bangalore, Karnataka
d) Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Divith Reddy Crowned U-8 World Cadets Chess Champion: A Proud Moment for India
- Amit Shah Unveils Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur: A Tribute to India’s Unity
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal to Strengthen Governance Training
- RBI Introduces Secured Overnight Rupee Rate (SORR): A Step Toward Transparency and Market Stability
- Everything You Need to Know About COP16: United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Colombia
2. Which countries are participating in the AUSTRAHIND 2024 exercise?
a) India and China
b) India and the United States
c) India and Australia
d) India and Japan
3. How many Indian personnel are participating in the AUSTRAHIND 2024 exercise?
a) 100
b) 140
c) 120
d) 200
4. What is the primary focus of the AUSTRAHIND exercise?
a) Nuclear warfare
b) Sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrain
c) Maritime security operations
d) Space operations
5. What is the objective of the first phase of AUSTRAHIND 2024?
a) Counter-insurgency operations
b) Combat conditioning and tactical training
c) Cybersecurity drills
d) Logistics and communication training
6. What is one of the key drills during AUSTRAHIND 2024?
a) Earthquake disaster response
b) Securing a helipad
c) Maritime blockade simulations
d) Nuclear response drills
7. Which of the following is NOT part of the operations in the AUSTRAHIND 2024 exercise?
a) Drone surveillance
b) Special Heli Borne Operations
c) Search and Destroy Missions
d) Cyber warfare simulations
8. What is the main aim of the AUSTRAHIND exercise for India and Australia?
a) Enhancing political relations
b) Promoting military cooperation and interoperability
c) Economic collaboration
d) Environmental protection
