US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Lt Gen Deshpande Witness Joint Firepower Demonstration During Yudh Abhyas 2026

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lieutenant General Vikrant Suresh Deshpande, General Officer Commanding of the 10 Corps, witnessed a major joint firepower demonstration by Indian and US Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026. The demonstration highlighted the growing operational cooperation between the two militaries, with troops conducting coordinated drills involving artillery, military aviation, air-defence systems and battlefield surveillance capabilities in the challenging desert environment.

The Indian Army showcased several of its key combat systems during the exercise, including the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, M777 ultra-light howitzers and the Dhanush artillery system. The Indian contingent also employed AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, L70 air-defence guns and Swathi weapon-locating radars as part of the integrated demonstration.

The US Army, meanwhile, deployed the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, along with the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, known as M-LIDS. The combined display brought together a range of capabilities designed to support coordinated operations across different combat domains.

Military officials said the exercise provided an opportunity for personnel from both countries to practise planning, coordination and execution of complex combined-arms operations. Such training also enables the two forces to develop a better understanding of each other's equipment, operational procedures and tactical approaches.

Ambassador Sergio Gor later shared his observations about the exercise on X, expressing admiration for the joint drills conducted by Indian and American troops. He said watching the two forces train together demonstrated the strength of the bilateral defence partnership, particularly in areas such as trust, readiness and interoperability. Gor also said he was proud of the results achieved through the combined efforts of the Indian and US Army personnel.

The US ambassador had announced his arrival at the Mahajan Field Firing Range and said he was looking forward to witnessing troops from both countries train together under realistic battlefield conditions. He described Yudh Abhyas as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with a partner nation. The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas officially began on September 15 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.

Around 600 soldiers from each country are taking part in this year's exercise, with training activities being conducted across both the mountainous terrain of Auli and the desert environment of Rajasthan. The diverse locations allow the participating troops to train under significantly different operational conditions. The Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information said the exercise is focused on enhancing interoperability through comprehensive and integrated training. The drills cover a broad range of activities, including small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon operations and specialised attack helicopter missions.

The participating units are also carrying out coordinated tactical manoeuvres, practising standard battle operating procedures and conducting combined-arms operations. These activities are aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and improving the ability of the two forces to operate together during complex missions.

The ongoing exercise also gives soldiers from both countries practical exposure to each other's methods of operation while encouraging greater professional familiarity and battlefield coordination. Training in both high-altitude and desert environments further expands the scope of the joint engagement. Exercise Yudh Abhyas has become an important platform for regular military cooperation between India and the United States. The 2026 edition, with its focus on multi-domain operations and training across varied terrains, continues the long-standing engagement between the two armies and seeks to further strengthen their ability to work together in demanding operational situations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.