The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 commenced on Tuesday with the opening ceremony held at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand, with the exercise being conducted simultaneously at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
The exercise brings together 600 personnel each from the Indian and US armies and is focused on enhancing the two forces’ ability to conduct coordinated operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.
The opening ceremony was 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 designed to strengthen the joint operational capability of both armies, particularly for the employment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) in challenging terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-dominated operations.
Drones, autonomous systems to be key focus
Technology integration will be a major component of Yudh Abhyas 2026, with troops from both countries training in the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Contemporary weapon systems will also be demonstrated at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, while Subject Matter Experts from the Indian and US armies will exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare.
The exercise will provide the two militaries an opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and share best operational practices.
It will also focus on improving joint planning and execution and enhancing the ability of Indian and US troops to undertake coordinated military operations across varied terrain and operational environments.
The exercise comes as India and the US continue to deepen defence cooperation, with joint military exercises serving as an important platform for improving interoperability and sharing operational experience between the two armed forces.