Indian and Australian Army troops are continuing a demanding phase of the fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 in Kerala, with training taking place in jungle, island and coastal conditions near the Foreign Training Node at Thiruvananthapuram. The ongoing activities are designed to test practical field skills and teamwork in an environment that reflects the exercise’s stated focus.
According to the report, the drills include combat swimming, static slithering, ambush drills, drone manoeuvring and physical training. The exercise began on 19 October 2026 and is scheduled to end on 1 November 2026, with around 120 personnel from each army involved.
The Indian Army contingent is drawn primarily from the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent consists of troops from the 13 Brigade. For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is also taking part in the exercise in an observer role.
The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate,” and its stated aim is to improve interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination. It also seeks to build a shared understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.
Training components include joint planning, tactical drills and combat-oriented activity under realistic conditions, with aerial and maritime aspects incorporated into the schedule. The focus also extends to coordinated operations in coastal and island environments, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and responses to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) contingencies, along with exchange of professional experience and best practices.
The report notes that the fourth edition of AUSTRAHIND was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025. The current edition in India continues the alternating host pattern and is being presented as a continuation of the broader defence engagement between the two countries.
Officials’ updates and visuals show troops actively working across the varied terrain of the exercise area, reflecting the progressive nature of the training. The activities are also described as strengthening tactical proficiency, combat readiness and interoperability, while supporting mutual trust and India-Australia defence cooperation.
