Context
- The Indian and U.S. Armies have commenced the 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the exercise focuses on high-altitude warfare, long-range precision fires, counter-drone capabilities, and enhanced operational interoperability.
About Yudh Abhyas
- Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral Army exercise between India and the United States.
- It has been conducted since 2004, with the venue generally alternating between India and the U.S.
- The 21st edition (2025) was held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, involving the Indian Army and the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, joint operational capabilities and sharing of military best practices.
Key Features of Yudh Abhyas 2026
- Focus on long-range precision fires, integrated command-and-control and counter-drone capabilities.
- The exercise is being conducted in two theatres—Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan and Auli in Uttarakhand, combining desert and high-altitude operational environments.
Major India–USA Military Exercises
| Exercise | Participating Forces | Key Focus |
| Yudh Abhyas | Indian Army + U.S. Army | Joint land warfare, interoperability |
| Vajra Prahar | Indian Army Special Forces + U.S. Special Forces | Special operations, counter-terrorism |
| Tiger Triumph | Tri-Service | Amphibious operations + HADR |
| Cope India | Indian Air Force + U.S. Air Force | Air combat and air operations |
| Red Flag | Indian Air Force + U.S. Air Force and other countries | Multinational air combat training |
| Tiger Claw | Indian Air Force + U.S. Air Force Special Forces | Airborne/Special Forces operations |
| Malabar | India + USA + Japan + Australia | Naval/maritime operations |