DUSTLIK-VI Training

Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Commences: The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI began at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune) on April 16, 2025, scheduled until April 28, 2025.

Participants: The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel, including troops from the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Uzbekistan contingent is represented by personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

Alternating Training: DUSTLIK is an annual event, alternating between India and Uzbekistan. The previous edition

Focus on Counter-Terrorism: The theme is “Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario,” simulating responses to terrorist activities and territorial capture.

Joint Operations Centre: The exercise includes establishing a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for continuous joint operations.

Key Activities: Counterterrorism missions (population control, raids, search-and-destroy), employment of firepower (including air assets), securing a helipad, reconnaissance, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO), Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE).

Air Force Support: The IAF provides logistical support to sustain operations

Objective: To share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint sub-conventional operations, enhancing interoperability, camaraderie, and defence cooperation between the two armies.