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Key Points

The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas is underway in Alaska with 450 Indian and US soldiers. This is one of the largest bilateral exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troop numbers. The drills focus on high-altitude warfare, heliborne operations, and electronic warfare in sub-arctic conditions. It highlights the growing strategic defence partnership between India and the United States.

Key Points: India US Yudh Abhyas 2025 Exercise Elevates Defence Partnership

  • 450 personnel from Indian Madras Regiment train with US Bobcats
  • Focus on mountain and high-altitude sub-arctic operations
  • Includes heliborne integration and electronic warfare drills
  • Builds interoperability for Indo-Pacific security
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Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 elevates India-US Strategic, Defence partnership

450 Indian and US troops train in Alaska for Yudh Abhyas 2025, one of the largest bilateral exercises focusing on sub-arctic warfare and interoperability.

"Yudh Abhyas stands as a flagship, high-complexity Army-to-Army exercise - Embassy of India, Washington"

Washington, DC, September 6

The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, comprising 450 personnel led by a battalion of the Madras Regiment training alongside US soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ("Bobcats"), has become one of the largest bilateral military exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troops mobilised, a press release said.

The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the premier annual Army exercise between India and the United States, commenced on September 1 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and will continue through September 14, as per an official statement by the Embassy of India in Washington.

The statement highlighted that the Indian Army contingent, comprising 450 personnel led by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, arrived in Fairbanks on August 31. They are training alongside US soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ("Bobcats"), part of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic Wolves), 11th Airborne Division.

The statement highlighted that the 2025 edition is one of the largest bilateral military exercises for the Indian Army in terms of troops mobilised. The edition emphasises five areas, namely- mountain and high-altitude operations under sub-arctic conditions; heliborne and air-mobility integration, backed by artillery and aviation assets; electronic warfare, surveillance, and counter-drone systems; medical evacuation and combat casualty care in field conditions and live-fire tactical drills to validate seamless interoperability.

Since its inception in 2002 as a platoon-level exercise, Yudh Abhyas has expanded greatly both in scope and participation. Past editions have explored diverse terrains such as high-altitude warfare in India's Auli and Chaubattia; desert manoeuvres in Rajasthan; urban and cold environment training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Alaska.

The statement noted that Yudh Abhyas stands as a flagship, high-complexity Army-to-Army exercise. It has become one of the cornerstones of India-US military cooperation. India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country. These exercises, including Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, COPE India, Vajra Prahar, Tiger Triumph and several others, are central to building interoperability and forging mutual trust. It demonstrates how the two democracies continue to work towards peace, security and prosperity, including in the Indo-Pacific region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the strategic importance, I hope we're also focusing on indigenous defense manufacturing. True strength comes from self-reliance, not just partnerships.
A
Arjun K
Sub-arctic training is smart thinking! With our Himalayan borders, our soldiers need to be ready for extreme conditions. Proud of our armed forces 👏
M
Michael C
As someone who's worked with both militaries, this interoperability is exactly what's needed for regional stability. The Indo-Pacific needs strong democratic partnerships.
S
Shreya B
Electronic warfare and counter-drone systems training is so relevant today! Glad our soldiers are getting exposure to latest technologies. Safety first! 💪
V
Vikram M
From platoon-level in 2002 to 450 personnel now - shows how far India-US defense ties have come. Strategic partnership is strengthening national security.

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