India and the US militaries are conducting 'Yudh Abhyas 2026' in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, featuring drones, robotic dogs, and snipers in drills. This marks the 22nd edition of the joint exercise focusing on high-tech integration in mountainous terrain.
1,200
Troops Participating
2024: 600 (per side)→1,200
📊 One chart explains it
Yudh Abhyas: Participant Troops (Past Editions)
Takeaway: Participation in the Yudh Abhyas exercises has seen a steady increase, stabilizing at 600 personnel per side in recent editions.
⏳ Time Machine
How today’s news fits into the bigger picture
2004
First 'Yudh Abhyas' Exercise
The annual 'Yudh Abhyas' joint military exercise between India and the US began, focusing primarily on counter-insurgency and operations.
2021
17th Edition in Alaska
The 17th edition was held at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, involving 350 personnel from each side, highlighting cold-weather operations.
November 2022
18th Edition in Auli
The 18th edition was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, involving US Army soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army's Assam Regiment, also focusing on disaster relief.
September 2024
Largest Edition to Date
The 20th edition featured 600 soldiers from each side and incorporated advanced systems like HIMARS and Stryker, focusing on and artillery.
September 15, 2026
22nd Edition Commences
The 22nd edition of 'Yudh Abhyas' officially began at Auli, Uttarakhand, and Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, with a strong emphasis on technology integration.
Today
India and US troops used robotic dogs and drones in counter-terrorism drills during 'Yudh Abhyas 2026'.
What happens next?
The exercise will conclude on September 28, with assessments of lessons learned and strengthened defense cooperation expected.
The 22nd edition of the joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2026' between India and the United States is currently underway in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, focusing on counter-terrorism operations. A key highlight of the drills on September 16 was the use of advanced technology, including **drones, robotic dogs, and snipers**, during a building-clearance and room-intervention exercise in Auli. Approximately **1,200 troops** (600 from each side) are participating, enhancing interoperability in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. The exercise, which began on September 15, aims to integrate Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and emerging technologies into modern warfare, with a special focus on the US Army's 'Arctic Angels' unit.
💭 If you're wondering…
The 'Arctic Angels' is the nickname for the US Army's 11th Airborne Division, which is specialized in extreme cold-weather and Arctic operations. Their participation provides valuable expertise for training in mountainous, high-altitude regions like Auli.
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