The 6th edition of India- Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI commenced on 16 April 2025, at Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune). The Exercise was conducted from 16 to 28 April 2025.
Joint Exercise DUSTLIK is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted in Termez District, Uzbekistan in April 2024.
Contingents of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI:
- Indian contingent comprised of 60 personnel and was represented by a Battalion of JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The Uzbekistan contingent was represented by personnel from Uzbekistan Army.
Theme of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI:
The theme of the exercise was based on the theme of Joint Multi Domain Sub Conventional operations in Semi-Urban Scenario.
Highlights of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI:
» The Exercise focused on responding to a terrorist action involving the capture of a defined territory.
» This also included the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for continuous joint operations, the execution of counterterrorism missions such as population control measures, raids, search-and-destroy operations, and the employment of firepower, including air assets, to neutralise terrorists.
» Special forces from the Army and Air Force, during the Exercise, secured a helipad for use as a mounting base for further operations.
» The Exercise also covered the deployment of drones, counter-UAS measures, and logistics support by the Air Force to sustain forces in hostile areas.
» Additionally, the helicopters were utilised for reconnaissance and observation, special heliborne operations (SHBO), small team insertion and extraction (STIE) and other associated missions.
Significance:
- Joint Exercise DUSTLIK- VI enabled both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting Joint Sub Conventional operations. It facilitated developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.
- The Joint Exercise also enhanced defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.