India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
New Delhi:
The 22nd edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 commenced on Tuesday with the opening ceremony held at the fuli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
The exercise brings together around 600 personnel from the Indian Army and 600 personnel from the US Army, with the participating contingents addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army.
The exercise is focused on enhancing the joint operational capabilities of both armies for the employment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with particular emphasis on infantry-led operations.
A key component of this year’s exercise will be the integration of modern technology into military operations. Training activities will include the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. Contemporary weapon systems will also be demonstrated at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.
Subject Matter Experts from both armies are expected to exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare.
The exercise will provide both forces an opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures, strengthen interoperability, and enhance joint planning and execution for coordinated operations across diverse terrains and operational environments.
