India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant
The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise, dubbed Nomadic Elephant, is set to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This military collaboration will be held from 31st May to 13th June 2025. It is an annual event alternating between India and Mongolia. The previous exercise took place in Umroi, Meghalaya, in July 2024. This exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.
Exercise Details
Nomadic Elephant is a bilateral military exercise between India and Mongolia. It focuses on joint training for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations under a United Nations mandate. The exercise facilitates the sharing of operational experiences and aims to strengthen military ties between the two nations.
Participating Forces
The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, primarily from the Arunachal Scouts battalion. The Mongolian Armed Forces will also field a similar-sized unit, represented by a 150-strong Special Forces team. Both contingents will engage in various training activities.
Training Activities and Objectives
The exercise includes a range of training activities such as endurance training, reflex shooting, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. Additionally, this edition incorporates aspects of cyber warfare to enhance complexity. The overall objective is to improve joint operational capabilities in semi-conventional operations within mountainous terrain.
Tactical Drills and Operations
Key tactical drills during the exercise will include responses to terrorist actions, establishment of a joint command post, and securing landing sites. Other operations will involve small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, and the use of drones and counter-drone systems. These drills are designed to enhance the interoperability of both armies.
Historical Context and Evolution
The Nomadic Elephant exercise began in 2004, with the first edition held in Mongolia. Since then, it has evolved, with various editions conducted in both countries. Each iteration has aimed to encourage defence cooperation and improve military relations.
Broader Defence Cooperation
Beyond the Nomadic Elephant exercise, India and Mongolia maintain a Joint Working Group for Defence Cooperation, which meets annually. India also participates in the annual Mongolian military exercise, Khan Quest. This ongoing collaboration puts stress on the commitment of both nations to regional security and stability.
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