Current Affairs-Topics

AUSTRAHIND Exercise 2024: India-Australia Defense Bond

The India-Australia Defense Bond, a joint military exercise, has begun its third edition. The two-week exercise, hosted by the Indian Army, aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under UN mandate Chapter VII.

Exercise Overview and Participation

  • The third edition of AUSTRAHIND, a joint military exercise between India and Australia, commenced at Aundh military station, Pune.
  • The Indian contingent comprises 140 personnel from the Dogra Regiment and 14 from the Indian Air Force.
  • Australia's participation includes 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade.
  • The two-week exercise runs from November 8-21, 2024, hosted by the Indian Army.
  • This annual exercise alternates between India and Australia, with the previous edition held in Australia in December 2023.

Historical Military Partnership

  • The military cooperation between India and Australia dates back to World Wars I and II.
  • Indian and Australian soldiers fought together in various campaigns, including Gallipoli (Turkey), the Middle East, and Europe.
  • The Jawan Anzac Memorial in Sydney, erected in 2018, commemorates 12 Indian soldiers who died serving alongside Australians in WWI.
  • This historical partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic relationship in modern times.

Exercise Objectives and Training Components

  • Primary aim is to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations under UN mandate Chapter VII.

Focus areas include:

    • Combat team-level training in conventional warfighting
    • Cross-training on weapon systems
    • Counter IED technologies
    • Canine operations
    • Combat medical training
  • The exercise includes two phases: combat conditioning and tactical training, followed by validation.
  • Special emphasis on joint counter-terrorism operations, including raid missions and securing helipads.

Broader Defense Cooperation Framework

Both nations participate in multiple joint exercises:

    • AUSINDEX: Bilateral maritime exercise between navies
    • Malabar Exercise: Four-nation naval exercise including US and Japan
    • MILAN: Multilateral naval exercise hosted by Indian  Navy
    • Pitch Black: Multinational Air Force exercise
    • Tarang Shakti: Large-scale air exercise

The cooperation aims to address common regional threats:

    • Maritime security challenges
    • Terrorism and extremism
    • Cybersecurity threats
    • Promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region

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