SHILLONG: In a demonstration of defence cooperation between India and Malaysia, the joint bilateral training exercise, “Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023”, is currently in full swing within the confines of Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya.
The exercise underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations and follows the previous edition held in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.
The current edition, slated to run until November 5, features roughly 120 military personnel from both the nations. The Malaysian Army is represented by troops from the 5th Royal Battalion, while the Indian side boasts a battalion from the esteemed Rajput Regiment.
The objectives of the exercise are multifaceted. Primarily, it is designed to bolster military capabilities in conducting multi-domain operations within sub-conventional scenarios.
ALSO READ Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023 Commenced at Umroi in Meghalaya
The Indian Army has released a video showcasing a jungle lane shooting exercise, where a combined Indian and Malaysian army unit, donned in combat gear, advances stealthily. Their synchronised movements, communicated through hand gestures, lead them to engage a concealed target within the dense jungle.
In the heart of the operation area, a Joint Command Post was erected, serving as the nucleus of strategic planning and coordination. From this epicentre, an intricate surveillance grid sprawled out, seamlessly woven together and enhanced by the capabilities of the joint surveillance centre.
This establishment played a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the diverse terrains that stretched from the dense jungles to the bustling semi-urban and urban locales.
ALSO READ India-Bangladesh military exercise SAMPRITI-XI concludes in Meghalaya
A high degree of physical fitness and tactical level drills are the exercise’s hallmark. The participating troops are also engaging in sharing best practices. The climax of the exercise is set to be a rigorous 48-hour validation exercise in a semi-urban environment.
Exercise HARIMAU incorporated elements from the Infantry, Engineers, Artillery, Medical, Signals, and Logistics units of the army. This collaborative drill focuses on strategic planning and hones the skills of unit commanders and staff officers in devising operational plans.
