NEW DELHI: Thirty-four countries, including India and US, will participate in a joint military exercise, BRIGHT STAR-23, in Egypt. It is scheduled to be conducted from August 31 to September 14 at Mohammed Naguib Military Base. BRIGHT STAR- 23 is a multinational tri-services joint military exercise that will be led by US CENTCOM and the Egyptian Army.
An Indian Army contingent comprising 137 personnel will participate in military exercise. Also, it is for the first time that the IAF is taking part in the event. The IAF contingent will consist of five MiG29 jets, two IL-78 planes that can refuel the jets mid-air, two C-130s and two C-17 aircraft.
According to the Ministry of Defence, 34 countries will participate and it will be the largest-ever joint military exercise in West Asia and North Africa region. This is for the first time that the Indian Armed Force with 549 personnel are participating in the exercise.
During the exercise, participating countries will share the best practices to combat emerging unconventional threats and enhance regional partnerships. The Ministry said this exercise will provide a unique opportunity to Indian Army to share best practices and experiences with other armies aimed at enhancing defence cooperation.
