Thiruvananthapuram: The fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 concluded in the city on Saturday. Indian and Australian troops conducted an intensive 36-hour joint validation exercise involving simulated military operations across forest, island and coastal terrains.The final exercise, conducted on Oct 30 and 31 under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, tested the operational coordination and interoperability of the two forces in complex security and emergency situations.The joint operations involved sea and air insertions, securing beachheads and port facilities, casualty evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), protection of vital installations and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.The exercise brought together Indian Army and Australian Defence Force, with support from Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Vizhinjam International Port Authority and Kerala Fire and Rescue Services. The participation of multiple agencies enabled the forces to test coordinated responses across land, sea and air domains.The final validation was witnessed by Major General Matt Burr of Australian Defence Force; Major General Kapil Rana, GOC, 54 Infantry Division, Indian Army; and Commodore A J Dowling, New Zealand Defence Attaché to India and Australia.AUSTRAHIND 2026 began on Oct 19 at Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram and involved around 120 personnel each from the Indian and Australian armies. The Indian contingent comprised troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian contingent included soldiers from its 13 Brigade. A New Zealand observer delegation also participated for the first time.The annual bilateral exercise, conducted alternately in India and Australia, is aimed at strengthening military cooperation, developing interoperability and enabling the two armies to exchange operational experience, tactics and procedures. The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, in Oct 2025.The latest edition reaffirmed India’s and Australia’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, joint operational preparedness and regional peace and stability.
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