The 22nd edition of India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has commenced at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The opening ceremony was held at Auli on September 15, marking the beginning of the latest phase of bilateral military training between the Indian Army and the US Army.
Around 600 personnel from the Indian Army and 600 from the US Army are participating in the exercise. The opening ceremony 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 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
Yudh Abhyas 2026 is focused on improving interoperability and joint operational capabilities in challenging environments. Training at Auli includes activities related to mountain warfare, infantry operations and cold-weather conditions, while the Mahajan exercise area provides an environment for field and live-fire training.
Technology is also a major component of this year’s exercise. Indian and US forces are training with drones, autonomous systems and counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities, while personnel from both sides are exchanging operational knowledge and approaches related to emerging technologies and multi-domain operations.
The US contingent includes personnel from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels,” while the Indian Army contingent is participating in the exercise across the two training locations. The two sides are conducting joint training designed to develop common procedures and improve coordination during complex operational scenarios.
The exercise is scheduled to continue through September 28, 2026. Yudh Abhyas remains an important part of the regular bilateral training engagement between India and the United States, providing both armies with an opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while operating together in different terrains.
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