India, Australia Launch Joint Military Drill Austrahind in Maharashtra

The third edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. The exercise, scheduled from 8th to 21st November 2024, is a key annual event held alternately in India and Australia. The previous edition of AUSTRAHIND took place in Australia in December 2023. 

Event

• Exercise AUSTRAHIND, the third edition, commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.
• The exercise will be held from 8th to 21st November 2024.
• It is an annual event conducted alternately between India and Australia.
• Last year’s edition was held in Australia (December 2023).

Participating Forces

Indian Contingent

• 140 personnel from the DOGRA Regiment and Indian Air Force (14 personnel).

Australian Contingent

• 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade, 2nd Division.

Objective

• To promote military cooperation between India and Australia.
• Enhance interoperability in conducting joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrain.
• Focus on operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate (peacekeeping missions).

Training Focus

• Physical fitness and joint tactical drills.
• Joint planning and execution of operations in high-stress scenarios.

Phases of the Exercise

Combat Conditioning and Tactical Training Phase

• Focus on counter-terrorism operations (e.g., Raid, Search and Destroy).
• Special Heli Borne Operations, securing helipads, and handling drones and counter-drone measures.

Validation Phase

• Validation of joint tactical drills and coordination between the forces.

Key Drills/Activities

• Response to terrorist actions and territory capture.
• Establishment of a Joint Operations Centre.
• Counter-terrorism operations including raids and search missions.
• Coordination for Special Heli Borne Operations.

Outcomes

• Sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint military operations.
• Building camaraderie and strengthening relationships between Indian and Australian soldiers.