'Yudh Abhyas Gains Momentum as Indian and US Forces Share Military Expertise,' Says US Ambassador Gor

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has highlighted the ongoing military cooperation between India and the United States during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, saying troops from both countries are sharing expertise on weapons, equipment and unmanned systems. Gor, in a post on X, said the bilateral exercise was progressing at full pace, with soldiers from the US and Indian armies exchanging knowledge and operational experience across different military technologies.

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas is being conducted simultaneously at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from each country are taking part in the exercise. At the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Indian and US troops recently conducted joint firing drills involving several artillery and air-defence systems. The training included the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer, Dhanush artillery gun and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. L70 air-defence guns and M-LIDS systems were also part of the exercises.

A major objective of the drills was to improve interoperability between the two armies, particularly in the planning, coordination and execution of fire-support missions. Observation Post teams from both countries trained together in identifying landmarks and targets, coordinating engagements, transmitting fire orders and making corrections during firing. The sessions provided soldiers with practical exposure to each others artillery procedures, communication methods and operational practices.

The integrated drills covered the complete fire-support process, beginning with target detection and identification at observation posts and continuing through engagement using different weapon systems. The training was aimed at improving accuracy, speed and coordination while helping both forces develop a better understanding of procedures for combined operations.

The joint firing exercises are part of the broader operational focus of Yudh Abhyas 2026, which seeks to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and US armies in complex battlefield situations. The annual exercise began on September 15 and is focused on enhancing combat skills, joint operational preparedness and tactical procedures in varied environments. Troops from both sides are training together across multiple platforms and scenarios while exchanging operational best practices and refining their tactics, techniques and procedures.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@USAmbIndia.