The 22nd edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2026’ commenced today with the opening ceremony held at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with approximately 600 personnel from each side participating in the exercise.
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, addressed the participating contingents during the opening ceremony.
The exercise is designed to enhance the joint operational capability and interoperability of the Indian and US Armies, with a specific focus on the employment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. The training will primarily focus on infantry-dominated operations and is aimed at strengthening joint planning, command-and-control procedures and coordinated execution of operations in challenging terrain and operational environments.
A key focus of Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the integration of emerging technologies into contemporary military operations. Training activities will include the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while contemporary weapon systems will be demonstrated at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.
The exercise will also facilitate structured interactions between Subject Matter Experts from both Armies on emerging technologies, modernisation imperatives and developments in multi-domain warfare. These engagements are aimed at promoting greater understanding of evolving operational concepts and enhancing the ability of both forces to leverage technology for battlefield effectiveness.
The joint exercise provides an important platform for the two Armies to exchange Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs), share operational best practices and strengthen mutual understanding. It will further enhance their ability to plan and execute coordinated military operations across diverse terrain and complex operational environments.
Through realistic joint training and technology-enabled operational engagements, Yudh Abhyas 2026 will contribute towards further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between India and the United States and enhance the interoperability and readiness of the two Armies to undertake joint operations.
