22nd India-US Yudh Abhyas Begins in Two-Theatre Format

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the annual India-US bilateral military exercise, is scheduled from 9 September to 28 September 2026. The exercise is being conducted in a two-theatre format across Bikaner in Rajasthan and Auli in Uttarakhand.

Yudh Abhyas and Bilateral Defence Cooperation

Yudh Abhyas is a recurring military exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army. The exercise is used for joint training in tactical drills, interoperability, and field operations in varied terrain.

Training Areas and Terrain Profile

The Rajasthan phase is being held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges near Bikaner. The Uttarakhand phase is being conducted at Auli, a high-altitude location at about 2,500 metres and around 95 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control with China.

Equipment and Units Involved

About 700 personnel, with 350 troops from each side, are participating in the exercise. The United States contingent includes Arctic-trained soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force.

AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are taking part in Yudh Abhyas for the first time. The helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and 30 mm chain guns.

The desert phase includes India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and K9 Vajra howitzers, along with the US Army’s HIMARS, which stands for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

Important Facts for Exams

• Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and the United States.
• The Mahajan Field Firing Ranges are located in Rajasthan and are used for desert warfare training.
• Auli in Uttarakhand is a high-altitude training area used for mountain warfare exercises.
• HIMARS is the abbreviation for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

Mountain Warfare and Counter-UAS Training

The high-altitude phase includes the use of M777 ultra-light howitzers airlifted by Chinook helicopters. Joint training also covers detection and jamming of unmanned aerial systems, commonly abbreviated as UAS.

Official Participation

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lieutenant General Joel “JB” Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of US Army Pacific, are scheduled to attend key segments of the exercise. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force is a United States Army formation associated with multi-domain operations.