Archive · 10 Oct 2026
India-UAE Mountain Guardian 2026 Exercise Underway in Uttarakhand
India and the United Arab Emirates are holding a joint army exercise in Uttarakhand.
It is called Mountain Guardian 2026 and lasts 14 days.
The exercise runs from October 5 to October 18.
There are 92 soldiers taking part, split equally between the two armies.
They are practising skills for working in mountainous places.
Early activities included climbing, rappelling, shooting practice and mountain training.
Later, they will practise planning together and using drones.
The exercise is meant to help the soldiers work together and share their experience.
The 14-day Mountain Guardian 2026 exercise is being held October 5–18 at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
A total of 92 personnel are participating, with equal numbers from the Indian Army and the UAE Army.
The Indian contingent is from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent is drawn from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.
Initial training included mountain craft, climbing, rappelling, Jiu-Jitsu, reflex shooting and day and night firing.
Planned activities include joint planning, drone operations, surveillance, tactical drills and integrated field exercises.
- Who
- 92 personnel from the Indian Army and the UAE Army.
- What
- Mountain Guardian 2026, a joint military exercise focused on mountain warfare and coordinated operations.
- When
- October 5–18, 2026.
- Where
- The Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, India.
- Why
- To improve interoperability and tactical skills, exchange operational experience, and strengthen defence cooperation.
- Duration
- 14 days
- Dates
- October 5–18, 2026
- Participants
- 92 personnel, equally divided between the two armies
- Host location
- Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
- Indian contingent
- Troops from a Bhairav Battalion
- UAE contingent
- Troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion
- Planned activities
- Joint planning, tactical drills, surveillance, drone operations, obstacle training and integrated field exercises