Exercise Dharma Guardian 2024 | 27 Feb 2024
The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force started on 25th February and will conclude on 9th March 2024 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
- Exercise 'Dharma Guardian’ is an annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
- The Exercise aims to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in the semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- The exercise will emphasise high physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and basic special arms skills, including establishing a temporary operating base, creating an ISR grid, setting up mobile vehicle checkposts, conducting cordon and search operations, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills.
- The exercise will enhance defence cooperation and bilateral relations by fostering camaraderie and sharing best practices in tactical operations.
- A Weapon and Equipment Display will also be organised showcasing the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of the country.
- India and Japan's defence forces also organise a series of bilateral exercises such as:
- JIMEX (naval), Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), ‘Veer Guardian’ and SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian (Army).