This phase aimed to enhance collaboration and effectiveness among engineering, medical, and air force units when deployed to a U.N. peacekeeping mission, particularly in emergency situations.
The VINBAX 2024, themed "Deployment and utilization of the engineering company with medical personnel in U.N. peacekeeping forces," is being conducted from November 3 to 24 in India. The integrated phase focused on a realistic scenario where an earthquake and subsequent flooding struck a contingency operating base (COB) under construction by the engineering unit. As a result, transportation and communication systems were cut off.
The air force unit deployed helicopters, including Cheetah, Mi-17, Chinook, and ALH, to provide reconnaissance, logistics support, and material transport for the engineering unit. The engineering force’ task involved clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), maintaining key routes, repairing flood-damaged roads and bridges, and completing base facilities like security fences, watchtowers, ammunition depots, shelters, and more.
During the phase, India’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were utilized for reconnaissance and site surveys, aiding U.N. peacekeeping operations.
Meanwhile, the medical force practiced mass casualty management following a structural collapse caused by the earthquake, involving approximately 30 victims, at Ambala Military Hospital. Activities included triage, emergency treatment, and patient transportation to higher-level medical establishments.
Below are photos of the exercise.
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Deployment of protection forces at the disaster site |
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Engineering force clearing unexploded ordnance |
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Road and bridge repairs following flood damage |
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A video showing medical personnel handling mass casualty scenarios during the integrated phase of VINBAX 2024 |
Translated by Trung Thanh