India, Japan Commence 5th Edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ in Rajasthan

GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 26th Feb. The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force kicked off on Sunday at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Scheduled from February 25th to March 9th, 2024, this annual exercise alternates between India and Japan.

With 40 personnel from each side, the Japanese contingent hails from the 34th Infantry Regiment, while the Indian Army contingent represents a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.

The exercise aims to bolster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Emphasizing physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills, the exercise will feature various tactical drills, including establishing temporary operating bases, creating ISR grids, setting up mobile vehicle check posts, executing cordon and search operations, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.

A Weapon and Equipment Display will also showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the nation’s growing defense industrial capability.

Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General of the Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force, is slated to visit India during the exercise. He will witness combat shooting demonstrations, special heliborne operations, and house intervention drills at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on March 3rd, 2024.

‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is a platform for sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting tactical operations. It aims to enhance interoperability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between the troops of both nations, further strengthening bilateral relations.