Mountain Guardian 2026: India-UAE Joint Military Exercise

The India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced on 5 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue till 18 October 2026.

The main objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and military cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Army, with a special focus on mountain warfare.

A total of 92 personnel are participating in the exercise, with equal representation from both armies. The Indian Army contingent consists of troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. Women officers and combatants from both countries are also participating in specialist roles.

During the exercise, the troops will conduct several joint training activities, including tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance grid establishment, drone operations, rock climbing, obstacle training, physical endurance training and integrated field exercises.

The exercise also focuses on technology-enabled operations and the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for operations in difficult mountainous terrain.

MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 will help both armies improve their tactical proficiency, exchange operational best practices and strengthen military-to-military cooperation between India and the UAE.

Important Exam Facts

• Exercise Name: MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026
• Participating Countries: India and UAE
• Venue: Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
• Training Location: Foreign Training Node
• Dates: 5–18 October 2026
• Total Personnel: 92
• Main Focus: Mountain Warfare
• Indian Army Unit: Bhairav Battalion
• UAE Army Unit: Mountain Infantry Battalion
• Key Activities: Drone operations, firing drills, surveillance, rock climbing and integrated field exercises
• Objective: Enhance interoperability and defence cooperation between India and UAE