The validation phase of first joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Saudi Land Force named ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ was successfully completed at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on Thursday.

The 12-day joint exercise, from 29 January to 09 February, aimed to achieve interoperability between the two forces and acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills under UN mandate.

The Indian contingent of the 20th Battalion of The Brigade of Guards Regiment and the Saudi Arabian contingent comprising a group of 45 soldiers of Royal Saudi Land Force participated in the joint exercise.

The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on combat conditioning and tactical training. The second phase culminated in physical exercises and validation.

Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation phase which included creation of Temporary Operating Base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, establishing Mobile Vehicle Check Post, carrying out Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne Operations and conduct of House Intervention Drills.

The validation phase also witnessed platoon battle drills wherein firing of Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and various weapons took place. This exercise has proved to be a harbinger for cementing ties between India & Saudi Arabia and forging a strategic relationship between the two great nations, according to Defence PRO Col Amitabh Sharma here.

The closing ceremony of the joint exercise will be held tomorrow to felicitate outstanding soldiers and to give an opportunity to both the contingents to reflect upon the lessons learnt.

During the exercise both the Armies shared valuable combat experience and best practices. Besides training, both the contingents also participated in number of extracurricular activities including friendly Cricket, Basketball, Volleyball and Tug of War matches. The joint training has undoubtedly been an astounding success with significant milestones achieved towards building cordial relations between the two countries.