Key Highlights
- India and Mongolia will conduct the 17th edition of NOMADIC ELEPHANT from 31 May to 13 June 2025 in Ulaanbaatar.
- The exercise focuses on interoperability, semi‑urban and mountainous operations under a UN mandate.
- Cyber warfare components have been added to address modern threat landscapes.
- India’s Arunachal Scouts and Mongolia’s Special Forces will lead the joint training.
- The event also serves as a cultural exchange platform, reinforcing bilateral trust.
Detailed Insights
Scope and Training Modules: The 2025 edition will feature a platoon‑level Field Training Exercise (FTX) that includes endurance drills, reflex shooting, room intervention, small‑team tactics, rock‑craft and mountain warfare.
Cyber Integration: Recognizing the growing importance of cyberspace, the exercise now trains troops to detect, manage and counter cyber threats while operating in field conditions.
Strategic Significance: By alternating venues each year, the exercise strengthens mutual operational understanding and showcases India‑Mongolia’s commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping under the UN framework.
Mutual Learning: Beyond tactics, participants share operational experiences and cultural insights, deepening the friendship that underpins this partnership.
Key Concepts
- Interoperability: The ability of two forces to operate together seamlessly.
- Semi‑Urban Operations: Combat scenarios conducted in partially built‑up areas.
- Cyber Warfare: Use of digital attacks to disrupt or destroy information systems.
- Special Forces: Elite units trained for high‑risk, specialized missions.
- Field Training Exercise (FTX): A realistic, on‑the‑ground training scenario for small units.