The First Joint Military Exercise FRINJEX-23

Current Context: FRINJEX-23 is the first joint military exercise between the Indian Army and French Army, held on March 07 and 08 at Pangodu Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.The exercise involves a company group each from the Thiruvananthapuram-based Indian Army troops and French 6th Light Armoured Brigade, with a total of about 300 personnel.

• The exercise is aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation between both forces in counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
• The exercise also showcases the interoperability of equipment and weapons systems used by both armies, such as infantry combat vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, sniper rifles and grenade launchers.
• The exercise is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France, especially in view of the ongoing border tensions with China.
• It enhances interoperability, coordination and cooperation between both forces at the tactical level.
• It prepares both forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in a contested environment.
• It showcases the capabilities and equipment of both armies, such as infantry combat vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, sniper rifles and grenade launchers.
• It strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France, especially in view of the ongoing border tensions with China.

Question:

Q.1 What is the theme for the exercise FRINJEX-23?
a. Counter-terrorism operations in urban areas

b Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in a contested environment

c. Peacekeeping operations in Africa

d. Amphibious operations in the Indian Ocean