India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL-NAJAH

Why in the news?

The AL-NAJAH 5 military exercise is underway in Oman, enhancing combat skills, interoperability, and cultural ties between the Indian and Omani armies, concluding with a live-fire demonstration.

India-Oman Joint Military Exercise

AL-NAJAH 5  Joint Military Exercise Overview:

  • The India-Oman joint military exercise AL-NAJAH 5 is taking place at the Rabkoot Training Area, Oman, from 13th to 26th September 2024.
  • India is represented by 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and other arms.
  • The exercise focuses on enhancing combat skills, interoperability, and collaboration between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman. 

Training Focus and Combat Drills:

  • Initial training included combat first aid, casualty evacuation, weapon handling, and counter-drone drills.
  • Firing drills with assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, and LMGs were conducted to simulate close-quarter battle and reflex firing.
  • Field engineering tasks and combat scenario case studies were shared to enhance tactical expertise.

About Exercise AL NAJAH:

  • Joint military exercise between India and Oman.
  • Conducted from 13th to 26th September 2024 at Rabkoot Training Area, Oman.
  • Held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
  • The Indian contingent includes 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
  • Aims: to enhance joint military capability for counter-terrorism under the UN Charter.
  • Focus on desert operations and tactical drills like Joint Planning, Cordon and Search, Fighting in Built-Up Areas, Counter Drone, and Room Intervention.

Mechanised Infantry Regiment, Indian Army:

  • An infantry regiment equipped with Armoured Troop Carriers and BMP II Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
  • Motto: “Valour and Faith.”
  • Regimental Insignia features a BMP Infantry Vehicle and a Dragger.
  • Focuses on combined arms operations, enhancing combat effectiveness in diverse terrains.
  • Trained for rapid mobility and firepower integration.
  • Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times