New Delhi: The India-UAE joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced on October 5 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. Scheduled to continue until October 18, 2026, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Army, with a particular focus on mountain warfare.
A total of 92 military personnel, with equal representation from both armies, are participating in the exercise. The joint training programme will provide an opportunity for troops from both countries to strengthen their operational coordination, exchange professional experience and develop a shared understanding of tactics and procedures for operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
Women officers and combatants from both armies are also participating in the exercise in various specialist roles.
India and UAE Deploy Equal Military Contingents
The exercise brings together personnel from the Indian Army and the UAE Army for joint military training focused on mountain warfare.
The participating contingents include:
- Indian Army: Troops from a Bhairav Battalion.
- UAE Army: Troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.
- Total personnel: 92, with equal representation from both armies.
- Venue: Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
- Duration: October 5 to October 18, 2026.
The participation of troops from both armies will enable them to share operational knowledge and improve coordination during joint military activities.
Mountain Guardian 2026 to Focus on Mountain Warfare Training
Mountain warfare requires specialised skills, physical endurance, tactical coordination and the ability to operate in difficult terrain. Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 is designed to strengthen these capabilities through a series of joint training activities.
During the exercise, participating troops will undertake:
- Joint military planning and tactical drills.
- Firing practices and weapon-handling training.
- Establishment of surveillance grids.
- Drone operations and technology-enabled activities.
- Physical endurance training.
- Rock climbing and obstacle training.
- Integrated field exercises.
- Exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures.
These activities will help personnel develop their operational skills and improve their ability to coordinate in demanding mountainous environments.
Technology and Tactical Coordination in Focus
The exercise will incorporate technology-enabled operations, including drone activities and the establishment of surveillance grids. These training elements are intended to help troops exchange knowledge and familiarise themselves with operational methods relevant to challenging terrain.
Joint planning and integrated field exercises will also provide opportunities for the participating armies to improve communication, coordination and tactical proficiency.
The exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures will allow both sides to share professional experience and learn from each other’s operational practices.
Women Officers and Combatants Participate in Joint Exercise
Women officers and combatants from both the Indian Army and the UAE Army are participating in MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 across specialist roles.
Their participation adds to the professional exchange between the two military contingents and enables personnel to train together in various operational and specialist activities.
Exercise to Strengthen India-UAE Defence Cooperation
MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 is expected to strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE by providing a platform for joint training and professional engagement.
The exercise will help both armies enhance interoperability, exchange best practices and improve their understanding of operational procedures. It will also reinforce the bonds of friendship, trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Through joint activities focused on mountain warfare, both armies aim to build greater tactical proficiency and improve their ability to coordinate during challenging operations.
The exercise reflects the continuing importance of bilateral military engagement in strengthening defence cooperation between India and the UAE.
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