The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AUSTRAHIND, commenced on November 8 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. Running until November 21, the exercise marks an ongoing collaborative effort to strengthen defense ties and interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.
AUSTRAHIND, which launched in 2022 in Rajasthan, has grown into an annual event, alternating between India and Australia. This year’s edition focuses on enhancing joint capabilities in sub-conventional operations within semi-urban and semi-desert environments, in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN mandate. The Indian contingent comprises 140 personnel, primarily from the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force, while the Australian side is represented by 120 soldiers from the 13th Light Horse Regiment of the 10th Brigade.
The exercise will proceed in two phases: combat conditioning and tactical training, followed by a validation phase. Key drills include counter-terrorism tactics, establishing a Joint Operations Centre, search and destroy missions, securing helipads, and employing both drones and counter-drone strategies. Special Heli-Borne Operations will also be conducted, allowing both nations to share tactical expertise and operational practices.
The opening ceremony’s details were shared on X by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army, which highlighted the aim to “strengthen interoperability between the #IndianArmy and the #AustralianArmy in conducting Sub-Conventional Operations under the #UN Mandate.”
India and Australia’s defense cooperation extends beyond AUSTRAHIND, including a 2+2 Defence and Foreign Minister’s Dialogue, policy discussions, and various bilateral exercises like AUSINDEX, a maritime exercise, and PITCHBLACK, a multinational air force exercise held in Australia. The start of AUSTRAHIND follows closely on the heels of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Australia from November 3-7, further reinforcing diplomatic and strategic ties.
(Inputs from ANI)
