1-Mar-2023: Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri with the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF). The exercise is being organised on the side-lines of the Indo-Japan Joint Army Exercise, Dharma Guardian, which is being conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02 March 2023 at Komatsu, Japan.
The IAF contingent is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri 23 with one C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The Exercise is being conducted on 01 and 02 March 2023. The first phase of the exercise consists of discussions on transport operations and tactical manoeuvering, followed by the second phase of flying drills by IAF’s C-17 and JASDF C-2 transport aircraft. The exercise gives an opportunity for the respective subject matter experts to interact and study each other’s operational philosophies and best practices. The exercise shall also enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the IAF and the JASDF.
Exercise Shinyuu Maitri 23 will be yet another step in the expanding defence cooperation between the two countries; as well as for the IAF to operate in diverse environments across the globe. The exercise is being conducted at a time when the IAF’s heavy lift transport aircraft fleet is also taking part in Exercise Desert Flag VIII in UAE and Exercise Cobra Warrior in the UK.
Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK Commences Between Indian and Uzbekistan Army
Joint military exercise ‘DUSTLIK’ between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army began on 20th February in Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand). The exercise is aimed at promoting positive relations between both armies.
45 soldiers each from Uzbekistan and Indian Army are participating in the 14-day long joint exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises of troops from an Infantry Battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment. The first edition of the exercise was held at Uzbekistan in November 2019.
The joint exercise would focus on joint counter-terrorist operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenarios under UN mandate. The exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and culminate with a validation exercise. Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats, while learning to exploit new generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations.
Emphasis is being laid on increasing interoperability between the forces. The exercise will enable understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations. The bonhomie, esprit-de-corps, and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between both armies.
Exercise Dharma Guardian 2023
The 4th iteration of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan has commenced. It will take place in Japan from February 17 to March 2, 2023.
Exercise Dharma Guardian
Exercise Dharma Guardian is a joint military exercise between India and Japan that is conducted annually. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and strategic cooperation between the two countries in counter-terrorism operations.
Origin and Purpose of Exercise Dharma Guardian
The first edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian was conducted in 2018 at Counter Insurgency Warfare School, Vairengte, India. The exercise was initiated to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Japan and to enhance cooperation in the field of defense and security.
The primary purpose of the exercise is to share best practices and experiences in the areas of counter-terrorism operations, urban warfare, and jungle warfare. The exercise is also aimed at improving the coordination and interoperability of the armed forces of both countries.
Key Features of Exercise Dharma Guardian
- The exercise is conducted in both India and Japan, and the venue is rotated every year.
- The exercise involves the participation of ground forces, including infantry, artillery, and armored units, as well as special forces.
- The exercise is conducted over a period of two weeks and includes various types of training, such as jungle survival, urban warfare, and counter-terrorism operations.
- The exercise also includes cultural exchange programs, such as visits to historical sites and monuments, to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Significance of Exercise Dharma Guardian
Exercise Dharma Guardian holds significant importance for both India and Japan as it provides an opportunity for the armed forces of both countries to enhance their skills and expertise in counter-terrorism operations. The exercise also helps to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and increase the level of trust and confidence in each other's military capabilities.