Indo-Indonesian armies share skills in combat firing

New Delhi, March 14: The armies of India and Indonesia are currently engaged in the fourth edition of Joint Training Exercise codenamed, Garuda Shakti.

The Indian Army contingent comprises of platoon sized troops of an Infantry Battalion from Southern Command theatre and the Indonesian Army comprises of troops from 503 Airborne Battalion of the TNI-AD.

According to Army officials, the exercise is underway with adequate stress being laid on weapon handling and live firing practices. The exercise which began on March 10 at Magelang in Indonesia will conclude on March 23.

"We were given time to familiarise with the Indonesian Army's weapon system before commencing firing practice using their weapons. The Indonesian Army conducted a demonstration of reflex firing, which was followed by the Indian Army the next day," says an Army spokesperson.

On its part, the Indian Army too presented reflex firing skills and also demonstrated ambidextrous weapon handling capabilities undertaken during combat situations.

"The demonstration was conducted in phases and was followed by firing practice by Indonesian Army under the guidance of instructors from Indian Army," says the spokesperson.

The exercise is aimed at building positive relations between both armies and also to enhance the ability to undertake joint tactical level operations in a counter- insurgency environment, as mandated by the United Nations Charter.

Indian Army says that the mission of the exercise is to identify areas of expertise to evolution combat tactical drills during joint counter-insurgency operations.

OneIndia News