The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise commenced on September 15, bringing together approximately 1,200 troops for two weeks of intensive training. Around 600 personnel from each army are participating simultaneously at two sites more than 1,000 kilometres apart, Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, until September 28.
Keywords: Yudh Abhyas 2026, India-US military exercise, Integrated Battle Groups, HIMARS, multi-domain operations, India, US, Army
The opening ceremony at Auli was addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of 11th Airborne Division, US Army. Both leaders highlighted the exercise’s role in enhancing readiness, interoperability and the ability to conduct coordinated multi-domain operations.
At Auli, the focus remains on high-altitude mountain warfare and the employment of Integrated Battle Groups in infantry-dominated operations under challenging cold-weather conditions. Parallel training at Mahajan emphasises technology infusion, including the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, precision fires, and counter-drone tactics. Live-fire serials will feature US systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Stinger missiles and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS).
Officials from both sides have stressed that the dual-location format allows troops to practise joint planning and execution across sharply contrasting operational environments, high-altitude mountains and semi-desert ranges. Subject-matter experts are also exchanging views on emerging technologies, space, cyber and multi-domain warfare.
Yudh Abhyas, an annual bilateral exercise sponsored on the US side by US Army Pacific, continues to strengthen the India-US Major Defence Partnership. By integrating modern capabilities and refining tactics, techniques and procedures, the current edition reinforces the two armies’ capacity to operate together effectively in varied terrains and complex security environments.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.