Mountain Guardian 2026: India-UAE Army Exercise Begins in Uttarakhand
Why in the news
The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on 5 October 2026 in Uttarakhand and will continue until 18 October 2026.
Key facts
- Exercise: Mountain Guardian 2026, between the Indian Army and the UAE Army.
- Venue: Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
- Duration: 5 to 18 October 2026.
- Strength: 92 personnel in total, with equal representation of 46 from each side.
- Women participation: women officers and combatants of both armies are serving in specialised roles.
Contingents
| Country | Unit | Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| India | Bhairav Battalion | 46 |
| UAE | Mountain Infantry Battalion | 46 |
About the exercise
The training centres on operations in mountainous terrain. It covers joint planning, tactical and combat drills, firing practice, setting up surveillance grids and drone employment, along with physical endurance training, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field manoeuvres. Technology-enabled operations are also part of the syllabus. The stated aim is to improve interoperability, tactical coordination and mutual understanding, and to deepen defence cooperation between India and the UAE.
Exam angle
- Match the exercise with partner and venue: Mountain Guardian, India-UAE, Chaubatia (Uttarakhand).
- Note the units: Bhairav Battalion (India) and Mountain Infantry Battalion (UAE).
- Theme: mountain warfare with drones and surveillance grids.