India and the United States are set to participate in the 19th edition of the ‘Yudh Abhyas’ exercise in Alaska, enhancing their global strategic partnership. This two-week war game involves complex military drills and involves an Indian Army contingent of 350 personnel. These exercises encompass a wide range of skills, including combat engineering, obstruction clearance, and improvised explosive device (IED) warfare, enabling mutual learning and strengthening of bonds between the armies.
India’s lead battalion is affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry regiment, while the US will feature the 1-24 infantry battalion of the first brigade combat team. They will practice tactical drills to enhance interoperability in UN peacekeeping operations and engage in discussions to share experiences and best practices.
The exercise will run from today until October 8 and focuses on the theme ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. It includes command post-exercises and expert academic discussions on selected topics.
The scope of this exercise involves the validation of integrated battle groups against hostile forces at the brigade level, integrated surveillance grid, and the use of heliborne or airborne elements and force multipliers. It also covers logistics, casualty management during operations, evacuation, combat medical aid, and other aspects applicable to high-altitude areas and extreme climatic conditions.
Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the US, with last year’s exercise taking place in Auli, Uttarakhand in November.
