SUCCESSFUL CULMINATION OF CAMBODIA-INDIA BILATERAL ARMY EXERCISE
INN/Pune, @Infodeaofficial
Today’s successful conclusion of the first Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise (CINBAX-I) marked a critical turning point in the two countries’ increased military collaboration and interoperability. Both the Indian and Cambodian contingents actively participated in the combined exercise, which aimed to improve their operational coordination and introduce the Cambodian contingent to the role of staff officers during UNPKO. It also promoted a common understanding of contemporary military procedures by showcasing India’s proficiency in defence technologies and military training.
Key Highlights of CINBAX-I:
- Table-Top Exercise
A key component of Exercise CINBAX was a planning exercise aimed at wargaming the conduct of joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise focused on discussions related to the establishment of a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). It also included the planning of operations in a CT environment, wargaming various contingencies, and exploring the employment of force multipliers in sub-conventional operations.
- Combat Firing at Baffle Range
A live firing exercise was also part of the exercise. Personnel from both contingents actively participated in live firing sessions at the Baffle Range, showcasing their operational capabilities and fostering mutual understanding.
- Visit to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla
Officers from both nations visited the NDA, often referred to as the cradle of Indian military leadership. The Cambodian delegation gained insights into the rigorous training schedules, the ethos of military leadership, and the role of instructors in shaping future military leaders.
- Visit to the College of Military Engineering (CME)
The Cambodian contingent explored the College of Military Engineering, where they were introduced to Humanitarian Mine Action techniques employed during UN missions. They were also briefed on Anti-IED and Explosives actions, including the role of canine units (Dog IEDs), and witnessed displays of state-of-the-art equipment and New Generation Equipment (NGE) used by the Indian Army Corps of Engineers.
- Showcasing of NGE and Indigenous Defence Innovations
A thorough demonstration of new generation equipment, including SIG 716 rifles, NEGEV light machine guns, thermal imaging instruments, mortar systems, and sniper rifles, was part of the drill. Major companies in India’s defence technology industry, including as MKU, Jatayu, Ikran Aerospace, and AI Innovations, displayed their domestic goods in keeping with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ agenda.
The Indian and Cambodian militaries have successfully improved their operational synergy and developed a deeper knowledge of one another because to CINBAX-I. The exercise provided a forum for exchanging best practices and looking at potential future cooperation in defence and peacekeeping technology.