NATO MW COE at COMMON CHALLENGE 26 in Montenegro
Strengthening multinational cooperation and advancing mountain warfare expertise
The international mountain warfare exercise COMMON CHALLENGE 26 (CC26) was conducted in Montenegro in September 2026, bringing together more than 500 military personnel from Montenegro North Macedonia, Slovenia, Spain, the United States and Austria. The exercise provided a multinational training environment focused on strengthening interoperability and further developing capabilities for military operations in demanding mountainous terrain.
The NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (NATO MW COE) participated in COMMON CHALLENGE 26 in an observer role. A four-member NATO MW COE team followed the exercise with the aim of observing and assessing mountain warfare-related activities and capturing relevant lessons identified, best practices and potential capability gaps.
The Centre’s observations focused on the planning and execution of activities in the mountainous environment and their alignment with relevant NATO doctrine and NATO MW COE products. These included ATrainP-6 – Mountain Warfare Education and Training, ATP-3.2.1.3 – Conduct of Land Tactical Operations in Mountainous Environment, and Tactical Planning in Mountainous Environment.
By comparing practical observations from the exercise with existing doctrine, standards and training products, NATO MW COE can identify areas that may contribute to the further development of mountain warfare knowledge, education and training, interoperability and capabilities across NATO and Partner Nations. A fulll report will sent out to the relevant Nations as soon as possible.
Distinguished Visitors’ Day
The exercise concluded with a Distinguished Visitors’ Day, attended by senior military representatives and distinguished guests, including the Director of the NATO MW COE, Colonel Leon HOLC.
The final demonstration showcased capabilities developed and tested throughout COMMON CHALLENGE 26 and provided an opportunity to observe multinational forces operating together in a complex mountainous environment. It also highlighted the importance of cooperation, interoperability and the exchange of expertise among Allies and Partners when preparing forces for operations in challenging terrain.
NATO MW COE’s participation in COMMON CHALLENGE 26 provided valuable first-hand insight into the planning and execution of multinational mountain warfare activities. The lessons and observations collected during the exercise will support the Centre’s continuous efforts to capture and share mountain warfare expertise, identify best practices and capability gaps, and contribute to the further development of NATO’s ability to operate effectively in mountainous environments.
Through participation in multinational exercises such as COMMON CHALLENGE 26, NATO MW COE continues to connect operational experience, doctrine, education and training, supporting the development of relevant and interoperable mountain warfare capabilities across the Alliance and its Partner Nations.
