India and the United States have begun the 22nd edition of their bilateral military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, bringing the two countries’ armies together for training focused on mountainous terrain, emerging technologies and coordinated operations. The latest exercise began on September 15 and is being conducted at two Indian military training areas.
Around 600 Indian and US Army personnel are participating in the drills at Auli in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Training will concentrate on the use of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous environments, with infantry operations forming an important part of the exercise.
Beyond battlefield training, the exercise is designed to strengthen coordination between the two forces. Personnel from both countries will work together on planning and executing operations while sharing military techniques and procedures. The training is intended to improve the ability of the two armies to operate together during complex missions.
Advanced technology is another prominent element of Yudh Abhyas 2026. Soldiers will train in the use of drones and autonomous platforms for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The exercise will also provide opportunities for Indian and US personnel to exchange knowledge about emerging military technologies and multi-domain operations.
The Indian Army has highlighted autonomous systems and technological innovation as part of its broader effort to modernize operational capabilities. Incorporating such systems into bilateral exercises allows troops to gain practical experience while developing greater familiarity with each other’s methods and equipment.
The previous edition of Yudh Abhyas took place in September 2025 at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. Approximately 450 Indian soldiers, led by a battalion from the Madras Regiment, participated alongside US personnel from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the Bobcats, which is part of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division.
The 2025 exercise was notable for its scale, with substantial troop participation from the Indian Army. Since its establishment in 2002 as a relatively small platoon-level exercise, Yudh Abhyas has steadily expanded in both size and operational scope.
Over the years, the exercise has covered diverse environments and mission scenarios. Training has included high-altitude warfare in Uttarakhand, desert operations in Rajasthan, as well as urban and cold-weather exercises at US military facilities and in Alaska. The latest edition continues that evolution by combining terrain-specific combat training with drones, autonomous systems and joint operational planning.
