The 12th edition of Agni Warrior (XAW) 2022, a bilateral exercise between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) & Indian Army (IA) was held at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali in Maharashtra from November 13 – 30, 2022.
- The closing event was witnessed by Wong Wie Kuen, High Commissioner of Singapore to India & Lieutenant General S Harimohan Iyer, Commandant, School of Artillery along with other dignitaries from Singapore & serving officers from both armies.
- Aim of exercise:
- i.To enhance mutual understanding of drills & procedures
- ii.To improve interoperability between SAF & IA
- Highlights:
- i.The exercise culminated in a joint live-firing exercise involving the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Singapore Light Weight Howitzer, Field Artillery Meteorological System, and the Indian Army’s 155mm Field Howitzer 77B.
- ii.XAW comprises joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.
- iii.Expert academic discussions were also conducted on modern trends in Artillery and refinement of Artillery planning process.
- iv.A joint computer war-game was also held as a part of the joint planning process.
- Points to be noted:
- i.Initiated in 2004, XAW is conducted as a part of the Army Bilateral Agreement, and testament to the long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and India.
- ii.India was among the first countries to set up diplomatic relations after the independence of Singapore on August 24, 1965.