Jaipur, Sep 9 (IANS) The 20th edition of the ‘Yudh Abhyas 2024’, the joint military exercise between India and the US, started at Mahajan Fields in Rajasthan’s Bikaner on Monday and will continue till September 22, said officials here.
“This is the biggest joint military exercise which started between India and America on Monday at Mahajan Firing Range in Bikaner. Also, this is the biggest military exercise ever held at Mahajan Field Firing Range. A total of 1,200 soldiers from India and America are participating. The military exercise started with a parade ceremony at around 10.30 a.m. on Monday. Flags of both the countries were hoisted on the occasion,” the officials added.
“This edition marks a significant increase in the scope and complexity of the joint exercise in terms of troop strength and equipment, said Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 600 personnel, is represented by a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment and personnel from other arms and services.
The US contingent comprising similar strength will be represented by the troops of 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.
“The aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-desert environment,” Col Amitabh Sharma added.
Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include joint response to a Terrorist Action, joint planning and combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate the development of inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, said Col Sharma
On Sunday evening, the South Western Command team shared a post on X saying, “The first batch of the US Army arrived in Mahajan, Rajasthan, for the 20th edition of the epic Joint Indo-US Exercise. Together, we reinforce our commitment to enhance International Stability and Peace.”
Before the start of this exercise, the command shared another post, which said, “The 20th edition of Joint Military Exercise between #India and #USA focuses on enhancing Interoperability between two Professional Militaries under the UN mandate, executing Counter Terrorism Operations and mitigating Global Security Challenges.”
Officials said that for the first time, America’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System has been displayed at the range. The range of this artillery is 310 kilometres. During the Ukraine War, this missile was used recently.
This is the 20th time that the armies of both countries are being trained together. India will showcase the weapons made in India in this exercise, America will introduce its best range of weapons.
Earlier, the 16th edition of the exercise was held in Mahajan Firing Range in February 2021.
Since its inception in 2004, Yudh Abhyas has evolved significantly, and this year’s exercise will feature an expanded scope and will be based on operations in a semi-desert environment.
–IANS
arc/dpb
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.