Top 10 MILITARY EXERCISE TAUGHT IN NDA / OTA

India has a strong desire to build relationships with several nations across the world. Conducting military drills is a requirement that is essential for modern fighting zones. These exercises strengthen communication and international alliances between armed forces. Military exercises are being conducted in case of a possible threat that might occur anytime. It is a very important part of army life and the exercises start from the training period itself.

Military exercises go beyond simply developing military skills. These skills help in collaboration between different friendly nations on various levels. Exchange of knowledge, strategies and tactics are exchanged between soldiers resulting in the building of a shared understanding to approach potential threats.

Categories of Indian Military Exercises

Indian Military Exercises can be categorized into three categories-

1. Domestic exercise:
These exercises aim to improve internal engagement. Depending upon nature and their application these exercises can be inter-services or intra-services. Exercises under domestic exercises are Gandiv Vijay(Army), Paschim Lehar(Navy), Vayu Shakti(Air Force), and Vijay Prahar(Army).

2. Bilateral Exercise :
These exercises are conducted between two countries. Some Famous exercises are Garuda Exercise, Shakti Exercise, Yudh Abhyas, Eastern Bridge, Vajra Prahar, Dharma Guardian, Cope India and Indrdhanush.

3. Multilateral Exercise :
These exercises are conducted by the military when there is more than one partner nation. Exercises like RIMPAC, MALABAR, COBRA-GOLD and Samvedna.

Important Bilateral exercises

1. GARUDA SHAKTI :
This military workout is practised between the special forces of the armies of India and Indonesia. These forces participated in the eighth edition of Garuda Shakti at Karawang, Indonesia which commenced on 21st November 2022. It aims to enhance understanding and cooperation between both forces. This practice will make both sides share their wide combat experiences on terrorist operations and regional and peacekeeping operations in an International environment. This helps both the armies to know each other better.

2. SHAKTI EXERCISE :
Shakti Exercise is a bilateral exercise between India and France. This exercise is conducted alternately between both armies. The latest edition in 2019 from 31st October to 31st November in Rajasthan was being conducted. This exercise aims to train in counter-terrorism operations and has a semi-terrain setup for the same. RUDRA exercise was used in this exercise which was the weaponised version of the Indian Advanced Light Helicopter ‘Dhruv’.

3. YUDH ABHYAS :
Yudh Abhyas is one of the largest joint-running military training and defence cooperation endeavours between the countries of India and the US. It started in the year 2022. The vision of this exercise is to promote peacekeeping. The armies of both countries undertook to promote defence operations. Between February 8 and February 21, 2021, the 16th edition of Yudh Abhyas took place at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The latest 17th edition of the Yudh Abhyas exercise is underway at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Alaska, USA. The training and exercise of Yudh Abhyas takes place at the Brigade level.

4. VAJRA PRAHAR :
A joint military exercise between India and the United States is named Vajra Prahar. The latest 14th edition took place in November 2023 at Umroi, Meghalaya. Operational Tactics and joint Mission Planning take place in Vajra Prahar. This military workout program aims to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. Vajra Prahar Exercise alternately takes place between the two countries.

5. DHARMA GUARDIAN:
This Indo-Japan joint military exercise started in 2018. This military training workout takes place between the armies of both countries. The latest edition took place in October 2019 at Vairengte, Mizoram between Indian and Japanese armies. This exercise focussed on sharing knowledge about counter-terrorism operations and tactics which they learnt during various operations held in different countries. Due to global terrorism, India and Japan face various security challenges so this exercise is performed in the backdrop.

6. COPE INDIA EXERCISE:
This is a bilateral joint air exercise between India and US. This exercise began in 2004 held at an Air Station, in Gwalior, India. Along with fighter training, the exercise has expanded to include air mobility training, airdrop training, subject matter expert exchanges and large-force exercises. The main focus of this exercise is to enhance US-Indian mutual cooperation by building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment. Exercise Cope India 2023 was held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh(Panagarh), Kalaikunda(West Bengal) and Agra(Uttar Pradesh). The Indian Air Force deployed several frontline platforms including Rafale, Sukhoi 30 MKI, Tejas and Jaguars during their exercise.

The Indian Army Exercises are covered under bilateral relations of India. Training with fellow friendly countries prepares the soldiers as better fighters. They learn new skills from each other like battle tricks, and get to practice them and work together. Commanders and troops prepare these military exercises for actions in times of peace, crisis and conflict. FAQs:

Q1: What exercises are there in an NDA training?
A1: An NDA training exercise program includes various strength-building exercises including push-ups, pull-ups and weightlifting to improve strength. The strength of a person in doing physical activities is an important component for achieving success in NDA.

Q2:What is military exercise 2024?
A2: The Indian Military Exercises are categorised into three- Domestic Exercises, Bilateral Exercises and Multilateral Exercises.

Q3: What type of Military exercise is best?
A3: Exercises like the Yudh Abhyas Exercise an annual bilateral military exercise. It is conducted between Indian and United States armies. Exercises like Shakti Exercise, Ajeya Warrior Exercise, Hand-in-Hand Exercise, Indra Exercise, Nomadic Elephant Exercise, Surya Kiran Exercise and Garuda Exercise are some of the most popular training exercises military.