Mountain Warfare Congress 2024
The 6th Mountain Warfare Congress, held 21-24 October 2024 under the theme “Mountain Warfare 2040”, brought together 200 defence and industry experts from 22 countries to examine the future of warfare in mountainous environments. The Congress served as a vital platform for thought leaders, military
personnel and industry representatives to share knowledge, discuss strategic innovation and explore the evolving role of mountain warfare in the modern military context.
An Evolving Battlefield: Addressing Future Mountain Warfare
At the heart of the congress was the aim to combine historical lessons and contemporary experience with forward-looking solutions to meet the unique demands of mountain warfare. The mountain battlefield presents a unique set of challenges, from extreme environmental conditions to logistical complexities and limited lines of communication. Recognising these challenges, the congress highlighted that future mountain warfare is likely to require the integration of multi-domain operations – a comprehensive approach involving air, land, space, cyber, maritime and information domains working together to provide tactical and strategic advantages.
Innovation at the Forefront: Exhibitions of Future-Oriented Mountain Warfare Technologies
An integral part of the congress was a comprehensive exhibition featuring over 45 companies from 22 countries, each showcasing cutting-edge technologies specifically designed for mountain warfare. These companies showcased forward-looking products and solutions designed to provide military forces with the tools they need to operate effectively in mountainous environments. Visitors saw innovations in advanced protective gear, rugged communications equipment, navigation systems optimised for high altitude and variable terrain, and lightweight yet durable transport solutions to help troops navigate the often steep and unforgiving mountain terrain as well as the latest developments of Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV).
Advances in surveillance and reconnaissance were also on display, highlighting technologies that could enable troops to monitor and secure movement corridors and vital resources. UAVs tailored for high-altitude operations, satellite-based intelligence systems and sensor networks capable of withstanding extreme mountain conditions demonstrated how advanced technology can improve situational awareness and strategic planning. The aim was clear: to showcase solutions that ensure the armed forces can maintain their resilience, agility and effectiveness in some of the most hostile and remote environments on the planet.
Multi-Domain Operations in Mountain Warfare: Integrating Technology and Strategy
As warfare evolves, multi-domain operations are becoming a key strategy, combining traditional ground (land) tactics with air, cyber, space and information warfare capabilities to outmanoeuvre and disrupt adversaries. The Congress highlighted that in mountainous regions, the application of multi-domain strategies could prove critical. For example, air and space assets could provide real-time data and precision support to ground forces, overcoming the limitations of rugged and fragmented terrain. Cyber and information operations could further enhance decision making, secure communication channels and disrupt enemy tactics that exploit the isolation of mountain forces.
Participants discussed how the use of satellite and drone technology in mountainous regions could offer significant advantages by providing comprehensive reconnaissance, intelligence and surveillance, thereby reducing the risk of ambush or supply chain disruption. They also examined how communications systems designed to operate at high altitudes are critical to maintaining cohesion and coordination between units, ensuring that personnel can respond quickly to dynamic battlefield conditions.
Learning from the Past, Innovating for the Future
The congress highlighted the importance of studying past mountain warfare campaigns to understand the tactical, operational, and logistical demands that such environments impose. Historical case studies—ranging from alpine combat during World War II to more recent engagements in Afghanistan—offered insights into the enduring challenges of mountain warfare, including acclimatization, supply chain complexities, and the psychological and physical demands on troops operating in harsh conditions. The lessons learned from these past campaigns underscored that mountain warfare is as much a test of endurance and adaptability as it is of tactical skill.
Combining these historical insights with current and future technological capabilities provided participants with a holistic view of what mountain warfare might entail in the coming decades. This balanced approach—honoring historical wisdom while embracing modern innovations—underscored the congress’s commitment to preparing military forces for the complexities of future mountain operations.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Mountain Warfare
Mountain Warfare 2040 concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to increase international cooperation, accelerate technological development and refine tactics to ensure operational success in mountainous regions. As modern militaries face evolving threats and terrain-based challenges, the Congress served as a powerful reminder that preparing for future conflicts in mountainous environments requires foresight, adaptability and a multidisciplinary approach.
In closing, the 6th Mountain Warfare Congress underscored the critical role that strategic foresight, technological innovation and international cooperation will play in shaping the future of mountain warfare. With its mix of theoretical exploration, practical insight and visionary technology, the Congress laid a strong foundation for advancing the strategies and capabilities required to meet the demands of tomorrow’s mountain battlefields.
Photos: Zvone Vrankar, GS SAF
