The joint bilateral training exercise “Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023” between the Indian and Malaysian Army has commenced in Umroi Cantonment, India. The Malaysian Army contingent comprises troops from the 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian Army, while the Indian contingent is represented by a battalion of THE RAJPUT REGIMENT. The previous edition of the exercise was held in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.
Exercise Harimau Shakti, scheduled to run until November 5, 2023, will involve approximately 120 personnel from both sides. The exercise aims to enhance military capabilities for the conduct of Multi-Domain Operations in a sub-conventional scenario. During the exercise, both contingents will establish a Joint Command Post and an integrated surveillance grid, along with a Joint Surveillance Centre.
The exercise will involve practicing the deployment of joint forces in jungle, semi-urban, and urban environments. It will also include intelligence collection, collation, and dissemination drills, as well as the use of drones/UAVs and helicopters. Both sides will conduct casualty management and evacuation drills, discuss logistics management, and practice survival training at the battalion level.
The training will primarily focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical-level drills, and sharing of best practices between the two contingents. The exercise will conclude with a 48-hour-long validation exercise in a semi-urban area. “Exercise Harimau Shakti” is intended to enhance defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army, further strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.