US Army and Indian Army has shown amazing camaraderie during the validation phase of India- US Joint Military Exercise codenamed as “Yudh Abhyas 2024”. The 20th edition of the coveted bilateral exercise series held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range successfully ended on 21st September 2024. The military exercise just before the QUAD meeting in Wilmington town (Delaware) of President Joe Biden sets the narrative for PM Narendra upcoming address at UNGA as he leaves for 3 day US visit.
Shailesh Kumar, National Defence
New Delhi, 21st September 2024
The army joint drill focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrain under the United Nations mandate. According to Indian Army, the Indian contingent was represented by an Infantry Brigade Headquarters and a Battalion group of The Rajput Regiment of the Amogh Division, while the US contingent included the 1-24 Infantry Battalion and elements from the 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska. Over 1,100 personnel participated in this enduring exercise, braving the harsh terrain and climate of the Thar Desert.
The press statement of Indian Army said the exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved combat conditioning and tactical training, where both contingents successfully completed joint training to improve their operational synergy. In the second phase, known as the validation stage, the training was put into practice through a series of joint operations. A Command Planning Exercise was also conducted simultaneously to validate planning, techniques, tactics, and procedures, further enhancing jointmanship and interoperability.
Indian Army told media that the validation exercise included a wide array of operations, such as establishing observation posts, Road Opening Drills, Cordon and Search Operations, and House Clearing Drills, which also involved casualty evacuation via helicopters. Additionally, Airborne and Heliborne Operations were executed using C-130, ALH and Mi-17 platforms. A Live Firing Exercise was conducted, utilizing long-range vectors like PINAKA, HIMARS and M-777 Artillery Guns to neutralize targets before a final Cordon and Search operation, demonstrating precision and effectiveness.
During closing ceremony, commander of contingents of both armies participating in exercise emphasized the amazing camaraderie between soldiers of both armies as they once again proved that both armies can take up joint military missions successfully under the UN mandate.
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