Exercise MAITREE-XV: Indian and Thai Armies train in jungle ops, UAV drills
Synopsis
Exercise MAITREE-XV is no routine drill — with UAV-supported operations, counter-IED training, and jungle warfare tactics at Surat Thani, the 15th edition of the India-Thailand joint exercise reflects a deliberate upgrade in bilateral military cooperation, underpinned by a shared insurgency threat that makes interoperability more than just a talking point.
Key Takeaways
Exercise MAITREE-XV is underway at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand , from 18 to 31 August .
Both the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army have fielded 85 personnel each for the exercise.
The Indian contingent is drawn primarily from the 9 Gorkha Rifles ; the Thai side from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade's 5th Division .
Training covers UAV-supported operations , counter-IED drills , jungle and semi-urban combat, and martial-arts exchanges.
The exercise is aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter , building interoperability for international peacekeeping missions.
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 ; the previous edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2025 .
The Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army are conducting the 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand, with the joint drill running from 18 August to 31 August. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain, incorporating modern warfare components including UAV-supported operations and the use of Information Technology (IT).
Key Developments on the Ground
The Indian Army's Eastern Command confirmed on Thursday that the exercise is progressing as planned. 'Indian Army and Royal Thai Army troops are honing joint combat skills through tactical drills, UAV-supported operations, counter-IED training and martial-arts exchanges. Building interoperability, trust and camaraderie,' the Command stated in a post on social media platform X.
Each side has fielded 85 personnel for the exercise. The Indian contingent is drawn primarily from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai side comprises personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade's 5th Division. The Indian contingent departed for Thailand on 17 August.
What the Training Involves
The exercise is structured around company-level joint training, covering field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and a culminating validation exercise. Troops are also exchanging operational experience and showcasing contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint operations.
Counter-IED drills and martial-arts exchanges form a significant part of the programme, reflecting the operational realities both armies face. The training is aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which governs international peace and security operations — a deliberate nod to both nations' commitments to UN peacekeeping missions.
Why This Exercise Matters
'The idea is for both sides to pick up best practices while developing new techniques to combat challenges faced. The larger goal is interoperability that helps during international operations, such as peace keeping missions under the UN charter,' an official said.
Notably, both India and Thailand face active insurgency threats. Thailand has seen repeated and coordinated strikes against military and civilian targets in its southern region bordering Malaysia, with incidents reported in recent days injuring civilians and damaging property. This shared security context lends the bilateral drill particular operational relevance beyond ceremonial military diplomacy.
Historical Background
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and has since become a cornerstone of India-Thailand defence ties. The 14th edition was held at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2025, with the alternating host format reflecting the exercise's bilateral character.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, 'Exercise MAITREE is an important platform for sharing best practices and strengthening military cooperation between India and Thailand. The exercise will enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two Armies, further reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations.'
What Comes Next
The exercise concludes on 31 August with a culminating validation drill. The outcomes — particularly advances in UAV-integrated tactics and counter-IED protocols — are expected to inform joint operational planning for future UN peacekeeping deployments involving both armies.
Point of View
Not just repeating legacy formats. What mainstream coverage underplays is the southern Thailand insurgency context: recurring strikes near the Malaysian border give Thai forces an urgent stake in these tactics, and India's experience in its own northeast provides a credible knowledge base. The real measure of MAITREE's value will be whether interoperability built here translates into coordinated action in future UN missions — something that requires sustained institutional follow-through beyond the annual drill cycle.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exercise MAITREE-XV?
Exercise MAITREE-XV is the 15th edition of a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, held at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand, from 18 to 31 August. It focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain, incorporating UAV drills, counter-IED training, and martial-arts exchanges.
How many troops are participating in Exercise MAITREE-XV?
Both the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army have deployed 85 personnel each. The Indian contingent is represented primarily by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai contingent comprises personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade's 5th Division.
When did Exercise MAITREE begin and how often is it held?
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and is held annually, alternating between India and Thailand as host. The 14th edition took place at Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2025; the current 15th edition is being hosted by Thailand.
What is the significance of the UN Charter reference in the exercise?
The exercise is structured to enhance combined capabilities for joint Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which governs international peace and security. This prepares both armies for potential joint deployments in UN peacekeeping missions.
Why is the India-Thailand military exercise particularly relevant now?
Both India and Thailand face active insurgency threats. Thailand has experienced repeated coordinated strikes against military and civilian targets in its southern region bordering Malaysia, including recent incidents injuring civilians. This shared security challenge makes the joint training in counter-IED and jungle warfare directly applicable to real operational conditions.
