Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026

About Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026

• Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 is a India-Australia Joint Military Exercise. 
• Location: It is being held from 19 October to 01 November 2026 in Kerala.
• Hosted by: It is being hosted by India in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 
• Edition: This 2026 exercise is the 5th edition of the exercise. 
  • Its first edition was conducted in 2022. 
• Aim: It is aimed at enhancing interoperability, joint-manship and operational coordination between the two armies and developing a common understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.
• Theme: The theme of the exercise is “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”. 
• Participants: It will have participation of approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and Australian Army. 
  • The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services.
  • The Australian Army contingent comprises troops from 13 Brigade.
  • Observer country: For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand will also take part in the exercise.
• Focus: It will focus on coordinated operations in coastal and island environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and response to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief contingencies, besides exchange of professional experience and best practices. 
• Activities: During the exercise, troops of both armies will undertake joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented training in realistic operational conditions, including aerial and maritime dimension.