Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026: Key Highlights
The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has commenced between the Indian Army and the United States Army to enhance operational interoperability, combat readiness and strategic cooperation.
About Exercise Yudh Abhyas
- It is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian and US Armies.
- It began in 2004 and has evolved from peacekeeping and counter-insurgency training to include:
- High-altitude warfare
- Hybrid threats
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Multi-domain operations
Focus Areas of the 2026 Edition
- High-altitude warfare
- Long-range precision fires
- Counter-drone capabilities
- Integrated multi-domain operations
Participation
- Arctic-trained soldiers from the US Army's 11th Airborne Division (Fort Wainwright, Alaska).
- The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF), which brings expertise in precision fires and integrated command-and-control systems.
Training Components
- Command Post Exercise (CPX)
- Field Training Exercise (FTX)
- A combined live-fire demonstration involving rocket systems and long-range precision fires.
Counter-Drone Capability: First-Time Deployment
- For the first time under the exercise framework, the US Army's Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) is being deployed in India.
- Purpose: To train forces against emerging unmanned aerial threats (drones).
Strategic Framework
- The exercise is conducted under the broader Operation Pathways framework.
- Aims: Strengthening information sharing, interoperability and joint operational preparedness.
Other India-US Military Exercises
| Exercise | Wing/Force |
|---|---|
| Yudh Abhyas | Army (annual bilateral) |
| Vajra Prahar | Special Forces |
| SALVEX | Navy |
| Cope India | Air Force |
| Malabar | Quad naval exercise (India, US, Japan, Australia) |
Significance for India
- Enhances military-to-military ties and interoperability with the US, a key defence partner.
- Exposure to modern warfare domains such as counter-drone systems and multi-domain operations.
- Supports India's defence modernisation amid evolving threats like drone warfare and hybrid warfare.
- Strengthens India-US strategic partnership under frameworks like Major Defence Partner status and foundational agreements (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA).