Indian and US Army personnel have carried out joint artillery training involving the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The live-fire drills gave troops from both countries an opportunity to practise artillery procedures, exchange field-level expertise and strengthen coordination during combat-oriented training.
The M777 training formed part of the broader activities being conducted during the bilateral exercise. Indian Army artillery crews demonstrated the operation and firing of the lightweight 155mm howitzer, while US Army personnel observed the procedures and engaged with their Indian counterparts. The interaction focused on sharing practical knowledge and understanding how the two forces employ the artillery system during field operations.
Before the firing drills, troops conducted a lecture-cum-demonstration covering important aspects of M777 deployment. The training included procedures related to positioning the gun, local defence and shifting artillery assets to alternate locations when facing the threat of enemy counter-bombardment. Soldiers also practised shoot-and-scoot procedures, which involve rapidly relocating an artillery system after firing.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the India-US bilateral Army exercise. The exercise commenced on September 15 and is being conducted at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand as well as the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from each participating country are taking part in the exercise.
The exercise is designed to enhance the ability of Indian and US forces to conduct coordinated operations in challenging terrain. Training activities include infantry operations, command-post exercises, professional exchanges, mountain warfare training and the employment of emerging technologies. Drones and autonomous systems also form part of the exercise’s wider training programme.
For the Indian Army, the M777 is an important component of its 155mm artillery capability, particularly because of the system’s lightweight design and suitability for deployment in difficult terrain. The howitzer is of US origin and has been inducted into the Indian Army as part of its artillery modernisation efforts.
The M777 drills at Mahajan provide a practical component to Yudh Abhyas 2026, allowing soldiers from both armies to work together around a common artillery system. Through such field training, the two forces are continuing to develop familiarity with each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability during joint military operations.
