India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins M777 Howitzer Drills

Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the annual India-United States joint military exercise. It began on 15 September 2026 and is being held from 9 September to 28 September 2026 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Exercise Profile

Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral army exercise between India and the United States. The 2026 edition involves about 600 personnel from each side, with a total strength of around 1,200 soldiers. The United States contingent includes the “Arctic Angels” of the 11th Airborne Division and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force.

M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer

The M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery gun used by several armed forces. It is designed for rapid deployment, air transport, and fire support in difficult terrain. On 16 September 2026, Indian and US Army personnel conducted a lecture-cum-demonstration on day deployment of the M777 at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.

Operational Focus

The drills cover artillery deployment, joint fire coordination, local defence coordination, movement to alternate positions during counter-bombardment, and shoot-and-scoot procedures. The exercise also includes training on interoperability, infantry-dominated operations, and the use of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

Important Facts for Exams

• The M777 howitzer is a 155 mm, 39-calibre towed artillery gun.
• Pinaka is an Indian multi-barrel rocket launcher system developed for area fire support.
• K9 Vajra is a tracked self-propelled howitzer used by the Indian Army.
• HIMARS stands for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and is used by the United States Army.

Participating Weapons and Systems

The exercise includes India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and K9 Vajra howitzers, along with the US Army’s HIMARS, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and counter-drone systems. These platforms are used in combined arms training and field-level coordination.

Command and Diplomatic Context

Major General Amaresh Gunjan of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, addressed the opening ceremony in Auli. United States Ambassador Sergio Gor referred to India-US military cooperation as a “great partnership” on 16 September 2026.