22nd edition brings 600 troops from each side; focus on mountain warfare, Integrated Battle Groups, drones, autonomous systems and multi-domain operations

New Delhi, September 15: The 22nd edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced on Tuesday with its opening ceremony at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand, while the exercise is being conducted simultaneously at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

The bilateral exercise brings together 600 personnel from the Indian Army and 600 personnel from the US Army, providing the two forces with an opportunity to enhance interoperability, exchange operational experience and refine their ability to conduct coordinated military operations across challenging terrain.

The opening ceremony at Auli was addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army.

Focus on Integrated Battle Groups

A central objective of Yudh Abhyas 2026 is to enhance the joint military capabilities of the two armies for the employment of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

The exercise will place particular emphasis on infantry-dominated operations, allowing participating troops to train together in environments that demand high levels of coordination, mobility, tactical flexibility and endurance.

Mountain warfare presents unique operational challenges, including difficult terrain, extreme weather, restricted mobility and complex logistics. Training together in such conditions enables both armies to understand each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures while developing greater interoperability.

Auli and Mahajan: Two Operational Environments

The simultaneous conduct of the exercise at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan provides the participating contingents with exposure to distinctly different operational environments.

Auli offers a challenging high-altitude mountainous setting, where troops can practise infantry operations and coordination in difficult terrain.

At Mahajan, the focus will include live-fire and contemporary weapons demonstrations, giving personnel an opportunity to observe and train with modern military capabilities in a field environment.

The two locations together provide a broader training spectrum and allow the exercise to address both mountainous and more open-terrain operational requirements.

Technology Takes Centre Stage

One of the most significant features of this year’s exercise is the emphasis on technology infusion into military operations.

The training will include the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance.

Unmanned systems are increasingly transforming battlefield reconnaissance by allowing commanders and troops to obtain information from areas that may be difficult or dangerous to access directly.

The exercise will provide Indian and US troops with an opportunity to examine how such technologies can be integrated with conventional military operations and decision-making.

Contemporary Weapon Systems at Mahajan

The Mahajan Field Firing Ranges will also host demonstrations of contemporary weapon systems.

The demonstrations are intended to provide participating personnel with exposure to modern battlefield technologies and capabilities, while supporting the broader objective of improving operational understanding between the two armies.

The exercise is therefore not restricted to traditional infantry training but incorporates newer technologies that are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare.

Exchange on Multi-Domain Warfare

Subject Matter Experts from both armies will participate in discussions on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare.

Modern military operations increasingly involve the simultaneous employment and coordination of capabilities across multiple domains, including land, air, space, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum.

The exchange of expertise between the Indian and US armies is expected to provide participants with a broader understanding of how technological developments are changing battlefield operations.

It will also allow specialists from both sides to discuss emerging capabilities and their potential applications in future conflicts.

Strengthening Interoperability

Interoperability remains one of the core objectives of Yudh Abhyas.

The ability of two military forces to operate together effectively depends not only on equipment compatibility but also on a shared understanding of procedures, communications, planning processes and tactical approaches.

Through joint drills and professional exchanges, troops will have opportunities to understand each other’s tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).

The exercise is expected to strengthen the ability of the two forces to undertake coordinated military operations across different terrain and operational environments.

Joint Planning and Execution

Another important component of the exercise will be joint planning and execution.

Participating commanders and troops will work through operational scenarios requiring coordinated decision-making and execution.

Such training allows both sides to identify differences in operating procedures and develop practical solutions while working towards common objectives.

The experience gained during the exercise can contribute to greater confidence and operational familiarity during future bilateral or multilateral engagements.

Deepening India-US Defence Cooperation

Yudh Abhyas has become an important component of the broader India-US defence partnership.

Regular military exercises provide the armed forces of both countries with opportunities to enhance professional ties while improving their understanding of each other’s operational capabilities.

The focus on mountain warfare, unmanned systems and multi-domain operations in the 2026 edition also reflects the changing nature of the security environment and the growing importance of technology-enabled military operations.

Key Takeaways

• 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas begins on September 15, 2026.
• Exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli, Uttarakhand, and Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
• 600 personnel from each side are participating.
• Focus on Integrated Battle Groups and infantry-dominated operations.
• Training covers mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.
• Drones and autonomous systems will be employed for surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Contemporary weapon systems will be demonstrated at Mahajan.
• Indian and US experts will exchange views on emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare.
• Exercise aims to improve interoperability, joint planning and execution.
• Troops will exchange tactics, techniques and procedures.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 highlights the evolving nature of India-US military cooperation, combining traditional infantry and mountain warfare training with drones, autonomous systems and multi-domain capabilities to prepare both armies for increasingly technology-driven operational environments.