The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced on February 25, 2024, at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted till March 9, 2024.
Participants and Representation
- The Exercise is an annual event alternately conducted in India and Japan.
- Each contingent comprises 40 personnel from both sides.
- The Japanese contingent consists of troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment.
- The Indian Army contingent is represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
Aim of the Exercise
- Foster Military Cooperation.
- Enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- Focus on physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills, and basic special arms skills.
Tactical Drills
- Establishing Temporary Operating Base.
- Creating an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid.
- Setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Post.
- Executing Cordon and Search Operations.
- Heliborne operations.
- House Intervention Drills.
Weapon and Equipment Display
- Showcasing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of India.
Visiting Dignitary
- Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General, Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force.
- Scheduled visit to Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on March 3, 2024.
- Will witness Combat Shooting demonstration, Special Heliborne Operation (SHBO), & House Intervention Drills.
Objectives
- Share best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures of conducting tactical operations.
- Develop inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between troops.
- Enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between India and Japan.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where is the 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ being conducted?
- A) Tokyo, Japan
- B) New Delhi, India
- C) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India
- D) Kyoto, Japan
- Answer: C) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India
- How many personnel are there in each contingent participating in Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’?
- A) 20
- B) 30
- C) 40
- D) 50
- Answer: C) 40
- What is the aim of Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’?
- A) To foster economic cooperation
- B) To enhance political relations
- C) To foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities
- D) To promote cultural exchange
- Answer: C) To foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities
- Which of the following is NOT a tactical drill practiced during Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’?
- A) Establishing Temporary Operating Base
- B) Conducting Diplomatic Negotiations
- C) Executing Cordon and Search Operations
- D) Setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Post
- Answer: B) Conducting Diplomatic Negotiations
- Who is the visiting dignitary from the Japan Ground Self Defence Force during Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’?
- A) General Toshio Tamogami
- B) Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano
- C) Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi
- D) General Yoshihide Suga
- Answer: C) Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi