News: The Eleventh edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025” commenced at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
About Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025
- The 2025 edition is 11th edition of the Indo-Sri Lankan Joint Military Exercise.
- Location: Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Objective: To jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, emphasizing peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. It focuses on synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.
- Participating Contingents
- India: 170 personnel, mainly from the RAJPUT Regiment, supported by 20 Indian Air Force members.
- Sri Lanka: 135 personnel, primarily from the GAJABA Regiment, along with 10 Sri Lankan Air Force members.
- Key highlights of Exercise
- Tactical Drills: It includes raid missions, search and destroy operations, heliborne assaults, and area domination activities.
- Special Training Components: The exercise features Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga sessions to enhance physical and mental agility.
- Technology Integration: It involves the use of Drones, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems, and helicopters for surveillance, logistics, and evacuation purposes.
- Operational Drills: Joint drills include securing helipads, casualty evacuation, and coordination during counter-terrorist operations.
- Significance: It enhances interoperability between the two armies and promotes sharing of best practices and joint combat skills.
- It will also strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and India-Sri Lanka relations while reinforcing commitment to UN peacekeeping objectives.
