Indian and Australian Armies Conduct Jungle and Coastal Warfare Drills in AUSTRAHIND 2026

Indian and Australian Army personnel are conducting intensive joint combat training across jungle, island and coastal environments in Kerala as part of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026, the fifth edition of the bilateral military exercise. The training programme includes combat swimming, tactical insertion, ambush drills, drone manoeuvring and coordinated military operations designed to strengthen interoperability and operational cooperation between the two armies.

The exercise commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is scheduled to continue until 1 November 2026. Approximately 240 military personnel are participating, with the Indian Army and Australian Army contributing around 120 soldiers each. The Indian contingent comprises personnel from the Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services, while the Australian contingent includes troops from the 13 Brigade.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise focuses on joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. The training aims to improve coordination, develop common tactical procedures and strengthen the ability of both armies to conduct operations in challenging maritime and land environments.

The 2026 edition also includes an observer delegation from New Zealand for the first time, adding a wider regional dimension to the bilateral military engagement.

Indian and Australian Soldiers Train in Kerala’s Challenging Terrain

The training activities are taking place in and around the Foreign Training Node at Thiruvananthapuram, where the participating contingents are practising military operations suited to different geographical conditions.

The exercise focuses particularly on environments where dense vegetation, water obstacles and coastal terrain create complex operational challenges. Such conditions require soldiers to combine conventional infantry skills with specialised techniques for movement, observation, navigation and coordination.

Reports published on 22 October confirmed that Indian and Australian personnel were undertaking joint activities involving jungle, island and coastal operations. The training includes physical conditioning, combat swimming, ambush drills, static slithering and drone manoeuvring.

These activities provide opportunities for both contingents to exchange experience and improve their familiarity with one another’s tactical procedures.

The training also places emphasis on maintaining communication and coordination between soldiers operating in unfamiliar terrain. Developing a shared understanding of tactical methods can improve the ability of military units from different countries to function together during multinational operations.

Combat Swimming and Coastal Warfare Form Important Training Components

Combat swimming is among the specialised activities being undertaken during AUSTRAHIND 2026.

Military operations in coastal and island environments may require soldiers to cross water obstacles, approach designated locations from the sea or move through areas where conventional ground transport is impractical.

Combat swimming training helps personnel develop confidence and physical proficiency in aquatic environments while operating with military equipment under controlled training conditions.

The exercise’s broader coastal warfare component is intended to strengthen the participating forces’ ability to operate where land and maritime environments intersect.

Such terrain introduces distinctive challenges involving tidal conditions, shoreline features, changing weather and limited movement routes.

Joint training in these conditions allows Indian and Australian troops to become familiar with operational considerations that differ from those encountered in conventional land warfare.

The Ministry of Defence has identified island and coastal operations as the principal geographical focus of the exercise, reflecting the importance of these environments to regional military preparedness.

Tactical Insertion and Ambush Drills Strengthen Infantry Skills

AUSTRAHIND 2026 also includes training in tactical insertion and ambush-related military procedures.

Reports from the exercise identify static slithering as one of the activities undertaken by participating soldiers.

Static slithering is a technique used in military training to practise controlled movement from helicopters or elevated positions using ropes. It forms part of the wider range of specialised insertion skills that military personnel may require in difficult operational environments.

The exercise also includes ambush drills intended to develop coordination, tactical awareness and communication between participating units.

Such training requires soldiers to work within established procedures while maintaining awareness of surrounding terrain and the movement of other personnel.

Conducting these activities jointly enables Indian and Australian troops to compare training methods and improve their understanding of one another’s operational practices.

The emphasis on tactical proficiency reflects the exercise’s broader objective of strengthening the ability of both armies to operate together during demanding military missions.

Drone Manoeuvring and Aerial Surveillance Included in Joint Training

Unmanned aerial systems form another component of the training activities reported during AUSTRAHIND 2026.

Indian and Australian personnel are undertaking drone manoeuvring exercises as part of the wider programme involving surveillance, reconnaissance and coordinated tactical operations.

Unmanned aerial systems have become increasingly important for military observation because they can provide information from areas that may be difficult to monitor directly from the ground.

In jungle environments, dense vegetation and restricted visibility can complicate reconnaissance. Coastal and island terrain introduces additional challenges because military units may need to observe dispersed areas or locations separated by water.

The integration of drone-related activities into military exercises allows participating personnel to improve their familiarity with unmanned systems and their role in supporting battlefield awareness.

The Ministry of Defence has identified surveillance and reconnaissance as important elements of AUSTRAHIND 2026. The reported drone manoeuvring activities complement these objectives.

The available official announcement does not identify the specific drone models or technical capabilities employed during the exercise.

Joint Sub-Conventional Operations Under the UN Mandate

The official theme of AUSTRAHIND 2026 is Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.

Sub-conventional operations generally involve military activities that differ from large-scale conventional warfare, including certain security and stabilisation operations.

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter concerns action relating to threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression. Military training conducted under a Chapter VII scenario can help personnel understand the operational requirements associated with demanding multinational security environments.

AUSTRAHIND 2026 uses this framework to develop common approaches to planning and executing military activities in island and coastal terrain.

The exercise provides opportunities for the participating contingents to exchange knowledge concerning tactical procedures, communications and coordination during joint operations.

This framework does not mean that the participating soldiers are currently deployed on a United Nations mission. It identifies the scenario and operational context adopted for the training programme.

The emphasis on common procedures is intended to improve interoperability, allowing military personnel from different countries to cooperate more effectively when required.

Surveillance and Protection of Vital Installations

Protection of important installations forms another central component of the exercise.

The Ministry of Defence has identified surveillance, reconnaissance and the protection of vital infrastructure among the activities included in AUSTRAHIND 2026.

Coastal and island regions may contain strategically important facilities, including transport infrastructure, communication systems and other installations essential to military and civilian operations.

Protecting such infrastructure requires coordination between units responsible for monitoring surrounding areas and responding to potential security threats.

Joint training allows participating forces to develop familiarity with the planning and communication requirements associated with these responsibilities.

Surveillance activities also support the collection and interpretation of information needed for situational awareness.

By integrating reconnaissance and infrastructure protection into the exercise, both armies are working towards improved coordination in operational environments where terrain and geographical separation can complicate military activity.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Also Feature in Training

AUSTRAHIND 2026 includes training related to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, commonly referred to as HADR.

Coastal regions and islands can be particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including cyclones, flooding and severe storms. Such emergencies may disrupt transport networks, communications and access to essential services.

Military forces can play an important supporting role during disaster response by providing transport, logistical assistance, communications and specialised personnel.

The Ministry of Defence has identified HADR contingencies as part of the exercise’s operational objectives.

Joint training in this area can help participating military personnel understand how to coordinate activities when responding to emergencies involving multiple organisations or countries.

The inclusion of disaster-response scenarios demonstrates that the exercise extends beyond conventional combat training to address operational requirements associated with regional emergencies.

These activities also provide opportunities to exchange practical experience in supporting civilian authorities during complex situations.

New Zealand Participates as an Observer for the First Time

An important feature of the fifth edition of AUSTRAHIND is the participation of an observer delegation from New Zealand.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that this is the first time New Zealand has participated in the exercise in an observer capacity.

Observer participation provides an opportunity for representatives to examine training methods, operational concepts and cooperation between participating military forces.

It also creates an additional channel for professional interaction among countries with interests in regional security and military preparedness.

Although AUSTRAHIND remains a bilateral exercise between India and Australia, the presence of New Zealand broadens the scope of professional exchanges associated with the event.

The official announcement does not identify New Zealand as a full participating combat contingent. Its involvement should therefore be distinguished from the approximately 240 Indian and Australian personnel taking part in the exercise.

The observer component reflects the wider relevance of military cooperation and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Garhwal Rifles and Australian 13 Brigade Lead the Participating Contingents

The Indian Army’s contingent includes soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles, supported by personnel from other arms and services.

The Garhwal Rifles is an established infantry regiment of the Indian Army with extensive experience in varied operational environments.

Participation in AUSTRAHIND 2026 provides its personnel with opportunities to exchange tactical knowledge and experience with soldiers from the Australian Army.

Australia is represented by troops from the 13 Brigade, which contributes personnel to the joint training programme.

The exercise brings together military personnel with different training backgrounds and operational experiences, allowing both sides to compare methods and strengthen professional understanding.

The approximately equal size of the contingents provides a framework for combined activities involving soldiers from both countries.

Such military exchanges help develop familiarity with different operating procedures, communication practices and command arrangements.

The experience gained can contribute to future bilateral exercises and other opportunities for military cooperation.

Fifth Edition Builds on Previous India–Australia Military Exercises

AUSTRAHIND has developed into an established platform for bilateral military cooperation between India and Australia.

The fifth edition follows the successful conduct of AUSTRAHIND 2025 at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.

The latest exercise continues the exchange of military knowledge and operational experience while placing additional emphasis on the challenges associated with island and coastal environments.

Conducting successive editions in different geographical settings allows participating forces to develop familiarity with diverse training conditions.

The Kerala exercise provides an opportunity to undertake joint activities in terrain relevant to tropical and coastal operations.

Regular military engagement also enables the two armies to strengthen relationships between personnel and maintain continuity in their training cooperation.

The exercise contributes to a broader pattern of defence interactions intended to improve mutual understanding and operational coordination.

Strengthening India–Australia Defence Cooperation

India and Australia share an expanding defence relationship involving military exercises, professional exchanges and cooperation across several areas of security.

Both countries have substantial maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region, where secure sea lanes, regional stability and international cooperation remain important priorities.

Although AUSTRAHIND is an army-level exercise, its emphasis on island and coastal environments reflects the geographical importance of the wider Indo-Pacific.

Operations in these regions may require coordination between land forces and capabilities associated with maritime and aerial environments.

The Ministry of Defence has identified improved interoperability, jointmanship and mutual trust as central objectives of AUSTRAHIND 2026.

Regular exercises help participating military personnel become familiar with each other’s procedures while strengthening communication between the two defence establishments.

The exchange of operational experience also contributes to the development of professional relationships that support continued military cooperation.

Coastal and Island Training Reflects Indo-Pacific Security Requirements

The Indo-Pacific contains extensive coastlines, island territories and maritime communication routes that create distinctive security and logistical challenges.

Military operations in these environments may involve coordination across land and maritime boundaries, access to remote locations and the protection of dispersed infrastructure.

The geography can complicate troop movement, communications and logistical support, particularly when operations take place in areas with limited transport facilities.

AUSTRAHIND 2026 addresses these considerations through joint training involving coastal and island environments.

The incorporation of jungle training also allows personnel to develop familiarity with terrain where restricted visibility and difficult movement conditions influence military operations.

Together, these activities help the participating armies improve their understanding of operational requirements across different geographical settings.

The exercise’s emphasis on planning, surveillance, reconnaissance and coordinated action supports the broader objective of improving readiness for complex multinational operations.

AUSTRAHIND 2026 Advances Bilateral Military Interoperability

The fifth edition of AUSTRAHIND represents another development in the military relationship between India and Australia.

With approximately 240 personnel participating, the exercise combines infantry training, coastal operations, surveillance activities and disaster-response scenarios within a common training framework.

The reported activities involving combat swimming, static slithering, ambush drills and drone manoeuvring demonstrate the practical emphasis of the programme.

The participation of a New Zealand observer delegation adds another dimension to the exchange of military knowledge and professional experience.

As the exercise continues towards its scheduled conclusion on 1 November 2026, the participating contingents are expected to further develop their understanding of common tactical procedures and operational coordination.

AUSTRAHIND 2026 reinforces the importance of sustained military engagement in strengthening interoperability, mutual confidence and defence cooperation between India and Australia.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, 19 October 2026. 5th Edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND Commences at Thiruvananthapuram. Release ID: 2325246.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2325246&lang=2&reg=48
2. Akashvani News, 19 October 2026. India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 Begins in Kerala.
   https://newsonair.gov.in/india-australia-joint-military-exercise-austrahind-2026-begins-in-kerala/
3. Asian News International (ANI), published by The Tribune, 22 October 2026. India, Australia Armies Conduct Joint Drills in Jungle, Island and Coastal Terrain Under AUSTRAHIND 2026.
   https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/india-australia-armies-conduct-joint-drills-in-jungle-island-and-coastal-terrain-under-austrahind-2026/amp
4. United News of India, 22 October 2026. India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND Underway in Kerala.
   https://www.uniindia.com/south-india/defence-kerala-australia/221933

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