• The armies of India and Oman commenced the fifth edition of joint military exercise AL NAJAH at Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah on September 13. 

• It will conclude on September 26.

• Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015. Previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan in August 2022.

• The Indian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. The Royal Army of Oman contingent also comprising 60 personnel will be represented by the troops of Frontier Force.

• Aim of the exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in the Desert environment.

• Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include joint planning, cordon and search operation, Fighting in built up area, establishment of mobile vehicle check post, counter drone and room intervention, among others. Combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions have also been planned.

• Exercise AL NAJAH V will allow both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for joint operations. 

• It will foster interoperability, goodwill and camaraderie between the two armies. Additionally, the joint exercise will strengthen defence cooperation and further enhance the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

Exercise Eastern Bridge begins in Oman

• An IAF contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is taking part in a bilateral military exercise in Air Force Base Masirah in Oman from September 11.

• This is the seventh edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge.

• The bilateral exercise endeavours to enhance interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force and shall provide a platform for both teams to engage in a series of joint training missions designed to strengthen strategic cooperation and operational readiness.

• The IAF contingent comprises MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets and C-17 transport aircraft.

• Exercise Eastern Bridge VII aims to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding and bolster the ability of both air forces to collaborate effectively in diverse scenarios.

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