Exercise Dharma Guardian Overview

Prelims Bits – Defence

The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan, will take place at Mount Fuji, Japan.

Details of Exercise Dharma Guardian:

• Participating Nations: India and Japan
• Location: Mount Fuji, Japan
• Frequency: Biennial (every two years)
• Objectives:
  • Enhancing Military Cooperation: Strengthen bilateral defense relations and enhance military-to-military ties.
  • Urban Warfare & Counter-Terrorism Training: Conduct joint urban combat and anti-terrorism drills under UN guidelines.
  • Improving Interoperability: Develop tactical synergy and coordinated planning between the two armies.
  • Fostering Strategic Partnership: Build on the momentum of high-level defense exchanges to further strengthen the defense relationship between India and Japan.

Mount Fuji:

• Location: Mount Fuji is situated on Honshu Island, Japan, approximately 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
• Geographical Features:
  • Tallest Mountain in Japan: Standing at 3,776.24 meters (12,389 feet), it is the highest peak in Japan.
  • Active Stratovolcano: Its last eruption occurred in 1707-1708.
  • Snow-Capped Cone: Mount Fuji is covered in snow for five months of the year, making it an iconic symbol of Japan.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: It was designated a World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural and artistic significance.
  • Sacred Site: It is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” (Sanreizan), alongside Mount Tate and Mount Haku.