Yudh Abhyas 2026: 22nd India-US Army Drill at Auli, Mahajan

Yudh Abhyas 2026: 22nd India–US Army exercise opens at Auli and Mahajan

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Battle Brief

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the joint exercise of the Indian and US Armies, opened on 15 September 2026 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. It runs at the same time at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. About 600 personnel from each side are training for operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

Fact File

Opened: 15 Sep 2026
Edition: 22nd
Venues: Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan)
Troops: 600 from each side
Indian unit: 14 Infantry Division
US unit: 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division

In the news

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026: what happened?

Armies that may one day work together need to practise together. Yudh Abhyas is the India-US Army exercise. This edition puts technology, such as drones, at the centre.

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened at the Auli Foreign Training Node (Uttarakhand), running simultaneously at Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan), with about 600 personnel from each side [PIB].
Focus: integrated battle groups in mountainous terrain, drones and autonomous systems [PIB].

Back Story

What will the troops practise?

Use of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, mainly infantry operations.
Drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Demonstration of contemporary weapon systems at Mahajan.
Talks between experts on emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026?

Yudh Abhyas: India-US Army exercise; 22nd edition in 2026.
Auli is in Uttarakhand; Mahajan Field Firing Range is in Rajasthan.
Focus: Integrated Battle Groups, mountain terrain, drones.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Bilateral relations and effect of policies of other countries on India

As per PIB (2026-09-15): the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened at the Auli Foreign Training Node (Uttarakhand), running simultaneously at Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan), with about 600 personnel from each side.
Defence interoperability is a pillar of the India–US strategic partnership.

Quotable data point
The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened at the Auli Foreign Training Node (Uttarakhand), running simultaneously at Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan), with about 600 personnel from each side.
PIB: Defence: Yudh Abhyas 2026 commences, 15 Sep 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Yudh Abhyas is a joint military exercise between India and

Answer (c) & explanation

PIB, 15 Sep 2026: 22nd edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

Which countries take part in Yudh Abhyas?

India and the United States (their Armies).

Where is Yudh Abhyas 2026 being held?

At Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

What is the focus of the 2026 edition?

Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous terrain, with drones and autonomous systems for surveillance.