92 troops train together to boost mountain warfare skills and interoperability
New Delhi: The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
The exercise, being held from October 5 to 18, aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation, with a focus on mountain warfare.
“A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both Armies, are participating in the exercise. The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both Armies are also participating in the exercise across specialist roles,” an official statement said.
Troops will undertake joint planning, tactical drills, firing practices, establishment of surveillance grids, drone operations, physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises, it said.
The defence ministry said the training would also incorporate technology-enabled operations and exchanges of tactics, techniques and procedures relevant to operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
The exercise will give both armies an opportunity to exchange professional experience, enhance tactical proficiency and share best practices in operational procedures, the ministry said.
“The exercise will further strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE and reinforce the bonds of friendship and trust between the two nations,” the statement added.
