India and US Commence 'Yudh Abhyas 2026' Military Exercise in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan

The 22nd edition of the joint bilateral military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2026' between the Indian Army and the United States Army commenced on September 15, 2026. The two-week high-intensity exercise is being conducted simultaneously at the high-altitude Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand, and the desert expanse of the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Approximately 600 troops from each nation are participating in the combat maneuvers. This year's exercise places heavy emphasis on multidomain operations, high-altitude warfare, and counterterrorism tactics employing Integrated Battle Groups. Participating units are exchanging operational best practices in complex room-intervention drills, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), cold-weather casualty evacuations, and tactical rappelling. Advanced technological elements including surveillance drones, autonomous ground systems, and robotic reconnaissance dogs have been integrated into live combat simulations. At the Mahajan Field Firing Range, artillery and precision-strike platforms including HIMARS and M777 ultra-light howitzers are undergoing operational validation. Defence officials highlighted that the exercise significantly strengthens bilateral military interoperability, joint planning capabilities, and strategic defence cooperation between India and the United States in challenging high-altitude and semi-mountainous environments.