Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins in Two-Theatre Format

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 22 between the Indian Army and the US Army commenced on September 9, 2026, and will run till September 28, 2026. One important difference in this year’s exercise is that the troops will train in two completely different terrains during the same exercise. The first phase of the exercise is taking place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, near Bikaner in Rajasthan, while the second phase of the exercise will take place at Auli in Uttarakhand. Through this format, the soldiers from both the armies will get training in precision fires, desert operations, high-altitude warfare, air mobility, and counter-drone exercises.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 Features Two Theatre Format

The earlier versions of Yudh Abhyas usually concentrated on a particular operational environment, but the 2026 version of Yudh Abhyas takes a wider approach by switching from desert terrain to high-altitude terrain.

In this exercise, the first phase of training is taking place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, near Bikaner, which will help the troops to practice precision fires and long-range fires.

The second phase of the exercise is taking place at Auli, in Uttarakhand, which is close to the Line of Actual Control.

Important Training Areas During Exercise Yudh Abhyas

This exercise includes tactical level planning and training of troops on the ground. The important areas of this exercise include,

• Long range and precision firing exercises during the Rajasthan part.
• High altitude warfare and mountain warfare at Auli.
• Air mobility and movement of infantry through difficult terrain.
• Command post exercise for operational planning.
• Field training exercise of the troops in an operational environment.
• Live fire exercise of the troops at the end.
• Counter drone training of the troops.

It is evident that emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles is increasing day by day in today’s wars.

Armaments and Military Equipment Involved

The India team will field weapon systems such as the Pinaka multi-launch rocket system, K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer and M777 ultra-light howitzer.

The US Army will be fielding the HIMARS rocket system and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters armed with Hellfire missiles and rockets.

Some other noteworthy US equipment includes specially trained Arctic forces of the 11th Airborne Division located in Alaska, and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force which provides long-range precision fires and command-and-control assets.

Yet another development in the US-India joint exercise is the use of the MLIDS counter-drone system for the first time in India.