The 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on Sunday, February 25.
Scheduled to be conducted from February 25 to March 9, the exercise will focus on tactical drills such as establishing Temporary Operating Bases, creating Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grids, and executing Cordon and Search Operations in hostile environments. Additionally, Heliborne operations and House Intervention Drills are also part of the exercise, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
A Weapon and Equipment Display will be organized to showcase the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defense industrial capability of the country.
‘Dharma Guardian’ is an annual exercise alternately conducted in India and Japan. Each contingent comprises 40 personnel, with the Japanese contingent represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
The aim of the exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in a semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Focus areas include physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basics of special arms skills, as highlighted by the MoD.
Lieutenant General Togashi Yuichi, Commanding General, Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, is scheduled to visit India during the exercise. The General officer will witness various demonstrations, including Combat Shooting, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO), and House Intervention Drills, at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on March 3.
The MoD emphasized that ‘Dharma Guardian’ will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting tactical operations, thereby enhancing inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between troops. This, in turn, will further strengthen the level of defense cooperation, fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
