The 13th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE is set to start off from July 1st to 15th at Fort Vachiraprakan in Thailand’s Tak Province. This exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations, focusing on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in both jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 76 personnel predominantly from the Ladakh Scouts Battalion, has already departed for the exercise alongside personnel from various other arms and services. Similarly, the Royal Thailand Army contingent, consisting of 76 personnel primarily from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division, is fully prepared for the joint drills.
Key tactical drills scheduled for practice during Exercise MAITREE include the establishment of a Joint Operation Centre, Intelligence & Surveillance Centre operations, utilization of drones and counter-drone systems, securing of landing sites, small team insertion and extraction techniques, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and demolition exercises on illegal structures.
The exercise aims not only to enhance combined operational capabilities but also to foster inter-operability, camaraderie, and the sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint military operations between India and Thailand. It is anticipated that Exercise MAITREE will significantly contribute to strengthening bilateral ties and strategic partnership in the defense arena between the two nations.
