JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The United States Army and the Indian Army will commence Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 on Sept. 9 through Sept. 28, marking the 22nd iteration of the premier annual bilateral training event between the two nations.
This year’s training features the deployment of Arctic-trained Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to the high-altitudes of India. The exercise is bolstered by the participation of the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF), introducing advanced long-range precision fires and integrated command-and-control systems to the bilateral framework.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lieutenant General Joel “JB” Vowell, the Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Pacific, are scheduled to attend key training events, underscoring the strength of the U.S.-India defense partnership.
“Yudh Abhyas shows just how strong the U.S.-India defense partnership has become,” said U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. “Our soldiers are training together, learning from each other, and building the trust and capabilities that make both of our countries stronger and more secure.”
While the ambassador highlighted the strategic ties, Vowell emphasized the operational reach and practical readiness that the annual bilateral exercise delivers to the joint force.
“Yudh Abhyas is about building trust, sharing expertise, and demonstrating our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Vowell said. “Every year, our partnership with the Indian Army grows stronger, and together we are ready to meet any challenge.”
This year’s exercise features a command post exercise and a field training exercise, culminating in a combined live-fire demonstration. This event will showcase the digital integration of several U.S. and Indian long-range and precision fires and rocket systems.
Operating under the strategic framework of Operation Pathways, this iteration marks a historic milestone with the first-of-its-kind deployment of advanced counter-drone systems to India. The integration of the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, or MLIDS, allows both nations to adapt together to emerging battlefield threats and reinforce regional readiness.
For more information, imagery, and ongoing coverage of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, follow the 11th Airborne Division on official social media platforms using the hashtag #YA26 and on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
