Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins Between India and US Armies

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Key takeaways

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has commenced between the Indian Army and the United States Army.
Initiated in 2004, this annual bilateral exercise now covers high-altitude warfare, hybrid threats, counter-drone operations, and multi-domain tactics.
For the first time, the US Army deployed its Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) in India to address drone threats.
Participating forces include Arctic-trained troops from the US Army's 11th Airborne Division based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force.

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has commenced between the Indian Army and the United States Army to boost combat readiness and strategic cooperation.

This annual bilateral military exercise between India and the United States started in 2004 and now covers high-altitude warfare, disaster relief, and multi-domain operations.
The 2026 edition highlights high-altitude warfare, long-range precision fires, counter-drone capabilities, and integrated multi-domain operations.
Troops from the 11th Airborne Division based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force are participating in this edition.
The training includes a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise, ending with a joint live-fire demonstration using rocket systems.
For the first time, the US Army is deploying its Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) in India to counter drone threats.
The exercise operates under the broader Operation Pathways framework to improve information sharing and joint operational preparedness.

Other regular joint exercises include Exercise Vajra Prahar for Special Forces, SALVEX for the Navy, Cope India for the Air Force, and the Malabar Exercise involving Quad nations.