Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins With India-US Armies in Uttarakhand

India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 commenced on September 15th, 2026, the inauguration ceremony was organized at the Auli Foreign Training Node in the state of Uttarakhand. The joint military exercise is taking place concurrently at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, involving 600 personnel from each country. The theme of this year’s drill will revolve around improving the capabilities of both countries’ militaries to perform operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. The technological dimension of the exercise will be significant.

Yudh Abhyas 2026: Details

Yudh Abhyas is an exercise aimed at improving the cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of India and the US.

This edition of the joint military exercise involves 600 personnel from each country. The opening ceremony of the exercise was attended by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, GOC 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 is taking place at the following sites,

• Auli Foreign Training Node, Uttarakhand
• Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan

Mountain and Semi-Mountainous Operations

One of the aims of Yudh Abhyas 2026 will be joint capabilities to operate Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrains.

This training is very much focused on infantry-dominated operations, where both armies’ troops need to coordinate in terms of tactics and execution of plans in tough conditions.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 will give an opportunity to exchange experiences in the field of operational practices and planning.

Drones and Autonomous Systems in Focus

Technological infusion is another distinctive feature of the current exercise.

Drones and autonomous systems will be used for the purpose of surveillance and reconnaissance during the training. The troops participating in the exercise will demonstrate modern weapons at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

The Subject Matter Experts from the Indian and American armies will discuss the latest technological trends in multi-domain warfare.