The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 officially commenced on September 15, with simultaneous training at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand 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 for bilateral military training focused on improving operational coordination and interoperability.
The opening ceremony was held at Auli and 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 US Army’s 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of both armies to plan and conduct coordinated operations across different terrains and operational environments.
A major focus of Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the employment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. Training at Auli will include mountain warfare, cold-weather operations and counter-unmanned aircraft system activities, while personnel at Mahajan will conduct live-fire and other field training activities.
Technology infusion is another important component of this year’s exercise. Indian and US forces will train with drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while subject-matter experts from both armies will exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare. The exercise also provides an opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures between the two forces.
According to the US Army, the exercise will also involve a brigade-level command post exercise, expert academic discussions, situational training and counter-drone activities. Training at the Mahajan Field Firing Range is scheduled to include live-fire activities involving systems such as HIMARS, Stinger and M-LIDS, alongside other modern capabilities.
Yudh Abhyas 2026 is scheduled to continue through September 28. The exercise represents another phase of the ongoing military cooperation between India and the United States, giving both armies an opportunity to develop common procedures and improve their ability to operate together in complex and varied environments.