US-India Joint Military Drills Begin With 1,200 Troops Across Auli And Rajasthan
The India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 military exercise began on Tuesday, bringing 1,200 soldiers from the two countries together for two weeks of training focused on mountain warfare, counter-drone operations, autonomous systems and multidomain warfare.
The opening ceremony of the 22nd edition was held at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand on September 15. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with the two locations offering different operational environments. The exercise is scheduled to conclude on September 28.
Around 600 personnel from each side are participating. Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Infantry Division, and US Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division, addressed the contingents at the opening ceremony. The US formation is known as the “Arctic Angels” and brings experience from the 11th Airborne Division.
The exercise is designed to improve the two armies’ ability to operate together through Integrated Battle Groups, particularly in mountainous and semi mountainous terrain. Infantry dominated operations, joint planning and the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures are among the key areas of training.
At Auli, the high altitude setting will be used for mountain warfare and cold weather operations. Training will include field exercises, tactical activities and a brigade level command post exercise. The programme will gradually move from academic discussions and command post training towards tactical and live fire activities.
Technology has emerged as a major focus of this year's exercise. Soldiers are training with drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while counter drone training is also part of the exercise. The emphasis reflects the growing role of unmanned systems in modern battlefields.
The Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan will host demonstrations of contemporary weapon systems and live fire activities. Current reports say the planned drills will include HIMARS, Stinger systems and M LIDS, alongside other tactical activities.
The exercise also includes discussions on space, cyber and multidomain operations, allowing experts from both armies to exchange views on emerging technologies and changing forms of warfare. The two forces will share operational practices while working to improve their ability to plan and execute coordinated missions across varied terrain.
The US Embassy in India said American and Indian soldiers would train together, share skills, build readiness and improve collaboration through field training, live fire exercises and exchanges of military expertise.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor has also highlighted the exercise as an opportunity for the two armies to learn from each other and build trust and capabilities.