India, US Begin Yudh Abhyas Exercise With Focus on Drones and Mountain Warfare

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 16, 2026

India and the United States have begun their 22nd joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, with the latest edition focusing on mountain warfare, drone operations and emerging technologies.

The exercise opened at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with about 600 personnel from each country taking part.

The two armies will train on the use of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with infantry operations forming a central part of the exercise.

The programme will also incorporate drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, while participants will demonstrate contemporary weapon systems at the Mahajan Field Firing Range.

Military experts from India and the US are expected to exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare, as both sides seek to improve their ability to operate together across different terrain and operational environments.

Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of India’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the US Army’s 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, addressed the participating contingents at the opening ceremony.

The exercise is intended to improve interoperability between the two armies through exchanges on tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as joint planning and execution.

Source: FSX Business News