'Austra Hind 22' was organised at -

The correct answer is Mahajan Field Firing Range, Bikaner.

Key Points

• 'Austra Hind 22' was a joint military exercise conducted between India and Australia in December 2022.
• The exercise was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner district, Rajasthan.
• This was the first edition of the bilateral joint training exercise under the name 'Austra Hind'.
• The focus was on combined arms combat operations in semi-desert terrain under United Nations peacekeeping mandates.
• The Indian Army was represented by soldiers from the Dogra Regiment, while the Australian Army contingent included personnel from the 13th Brigade.

Additional Information

• Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR)
  • One of the largest field firing ranges in Asia, located in Rajasthan.
  • Spans across multiple districts and is used for major military drills and training.
  • Known for its semi-desert terrain suitable for mechanized and armored exercises.
• India-Australia Defence Relations
  • Both nations elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
  • Engage in regular naval (AUSINDEX), air force (Pitch Black), and army (Austra Hind) exercises.
  • Share strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region under the Quad framework (India, US, Japan, Australia).
• Dogra Regiment
  • One of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its valour and service in multiple wars.
  • Predominantly recruits from the Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab regions.
• UN Peacekeeping Operations Training
  • Joint exercises like Austra Hind simulate real-time conflict resolution and humanitarian missions.
  • Enhances interoperability and coordination between the armies of different nations under UN mandates.