India-U.S. armies begin ‘Yudh Abhyas’ with focus on technology, interoperability

The 22nd edition of the India-U.S. joint military exercise, ‘Yudh Abhyas’ (war practice), commenced on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), with a focus on enhancing interoperability between the two armies, and integrating emerging technologies into operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

The opening ceremony of ‘Yudh Abhyas’ was held at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, U.S. Army, addressed the participating contingents, according to a Union Ministry of Defence statement.

Around 600 personnel from each side are taking part in the exercise, which is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing the joint military capability of the two armies for the employment of integrated battle groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with a focus on infantry-dominated operations.

A key focus of the exercise is the use of technology in battlefield operations. Participating troops will train in the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while contemporary weapon systems will be demonstrated at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

Subject matter experts from the two armies will also exchange views on emerging technologies, and developments in multi-domain warfare, the Defence Ministry said.

The exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to share tactics, techniques and procedures, and strengthen their ability to plan and execute coordinated military operations across varied terrain and operational environments. It is also expected to strengthen interoperability between the two forces through joint training and exchange of best operational practices.