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Jaipur, September 21 (HS). The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas-24 between the armies of India and America was held at Mahajan Field Firing Range. With this, the 20th edition of this bilateral exercise series came to a successful conclusion.
Yudh Abhyas-24 focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and semi-desert terrain under the mandate of the United Nations. The exercise emphasized on physical fitness, tactical exercises and exchange of best practices, techniques and procedures between the two armies, which was clearly demonstrated during the closing ceremony.
According to PRO (Defence) Jaipur (Rajasthan) Colonel Amitabh Sharma, the Indian contingent was represented by a battalion group of the Rajput Regiment of the Amogha Division and an Infantry Brigade Headquarters, while the US contingent comprised the Alaska-based 1-24 Infantry Battalion and elements of the 11th Airborne Division. More than 1,200 personnel participated in this long-term exercise, braving the difficult terrain and climate of the Thar Desert.
The exercise was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the two contingents completed combat drills and tactical training, which focused on improving their joint operational capabilities. In the second phase, called the validation phase, the training was put into practice through a series of joint operations. Also, a command planning exercise was conducted, which aimed to validate planning, techniques, tactics and procedures and enhance jointness and interoperability.
The validation exercise included a variety of joint activities such as setting up of observation posts, road opening drills, cordon and search operations, and house clearing exercises including evacuation of wounded using helicopters. In addition, airborne and heliborne operations were also carried out using C-130, ALH and MI-17 platforms. A live firing exercise was also conducted in which targets were neutralised using long range firepower like Pinaka, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and M-777 guns followed by a final cordon and search operation to demonstrate accuracy and effectiveness.
The closing ceremony honoured outstanding soldiers of both armies and showcased their cultural and military heritage. A series of events highlighted the rich traditions of the two nations, further strengthening the ties between the two armies. Major General NS Jakhar, GOC 16 Rapid, Indian Army and Major General Joe Hilbert, Commanding General 11 Airborne Division, US Army addressed the participating troops of both nations. Both contingents shared valuable combat experiences pertaining to counter-terrorism operations throughout the exercise.
The event concluded with a weapons and equipment exhibition showcasing indigenously built weapon systems under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India. Yudh Abhyas-24 proved to be an important milestone in the defence partnership between India and the US, further strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the global counter-terrorism campaign.