army

India sends army to help hospitals hit by Covid-19 as countries promise aid

In a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said oxygen would be released to hospitals from armed forces reserves and retired medical military personnel would join Covid-19 health facilities.

Where possible, military medical infrastructure will be made available to civilians, a government statement said, as new coronavirus infections hit a record peak for a fifth day.

Virologists said more infectious variants of the virus, including an Indian one, have fuelled the resurgence.

Tongan soldiers leave for Australia for training

Seven solders will undertake military skills courses with the Australian army once they have completed their mandatory quarantine period.

According to the Australian High Commission in Tonga, the remaining 21 who are crew members of the VOEA Ngahau Koula will travel to Cairns when they have completed quarantine requirements.

They will re-crew the Guardian Class Patrol boat for its passage back to Tonga.

The Ngahau Koula has undertaken a period of maintenance in Australia.

Once it returns to Tonga it will join its sister Ship Ngahau Siliva.

Australia presents vehicles to Tonga army

The Defence Advisor Commander, Jason McBain said the Australian Defence Force is providing the vehicles as part of ongoing support to His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

According to the Australian High Commission, the support is made available under the Australian Defence Cooperation Programme - Tonga.

Australia has five Defence Force personnel posted to and living in Tonga who partner with His Majesty’s Armed Forces in training, maintenance as well as operational and security planning.