Yudh Abhyas 2026

Why in News?

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas is being conducted from 9 September to 28 September 2026 by the Indian Army and the US Army. The 2026 edition is being conducted in a two-theatre format, covering the desert terrain of Rajasthan and the high-altitude terrain of Uttarakhand. This format provides troops with training in contrasting operational environments.

What is Yudh Abhyas?

Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and the United States. The exercise began in 2004 and focuses on enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination and operational preparedness between the two armies. Earlier editions have included training in mountain warfare, counterinsurgency, humanitarian assistance, artillery operations, aviation and unmanned systems.

Two-Theatre Format

The 2026 exercise is being conducted at two locations:

Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan

The first phase is being conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges near Bikaner.

The desert phase focuses on:

• Long-range precision fires
• Mechanised manoeuvres
• Artillery-air coordination
• Live-fire exercises
• Combined-arms operations

India is expected to employ Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. The US Army is participating with HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

Auli, Uttarakhand

The second phase takes place at Auli, located at approximately 2,500 metres above sea level and around 95 km from the Line of Actual Control with China.

The mountain phase focuses on:

• High-altitude warfare
• Infantry manoeuvres
• Air mobility
• Logistics
• Mountain artillery operations
• Counter-UAS training

Indian forces are expected to employ M777 ultra-light howitzers, including their airlift by Chinook helicopters.

First-Time Apache Participation

The AH-64E Apache attack helicopter is participating in Yudh Abhyas for the first time. The Apache provides close air support and precision strike capabilities. Its weapons include Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets and a 30 mm chain gun. The exercise also introduces advanced US counter-drone capabilities. The 11th Airborne Division and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force are participating in the 2026 exercise.

Troop Participation

Around 700 personnel, approximately 350 from each country, are participating in the exercise. The US contingent includes Arctic-trained soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division. Their experience in cold-weather and challenging terrain is particularly relevant to the high-altitude phase.

Significance

Yudh Abhyas 2026 strengthens India-US defence cooperation and military interoperability. Its two-theatre format allows both armies to practise operations across very different terrains. The exercise also demonstrates growing cooperation in long-range precision fires, aviation, counter-drone warfare, artillery and multi-domain operations.

Yudh Abhyas 2026: Important Facts