22nd India–US exercise Yudh Abhyas opens at Auli and Mahajan
On 15 September 2026, the opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of the India–US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas was held at the Auli Foreign Training Node, Uttarakhand, with training also under way at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
Summary
Yudh Abhyas 2026 involves 600 personnel from each side and focuses on Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with emphasis on infantry operations. The opening was addressed by Maj Gen Amaresh Gunjan, GOC 14 Infantry Division, and Col Benjamin Jackman of the US Army's 11th Airborne Division. Drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, and demonstrations of modern weapon systems at Mahajan, are key features. Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army that began in 2004.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Yudh Abhyas 2026 — 22nd edition, India–US armies
- Venues
- Auli Foreign Training Node (Uttarakhand) + Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan)
- Opening
- 15 Sep 2026 at Auli
- Strength
- 600 personnel from each side
- Focus
- Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous terrain; drones and autonomous systems
- Static
- Annual India–US Army exercise since 2004
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which edition of the India–US exercise Yudh Abhyas opened at Auli on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 22nd
The opening ceremony of the 22nd edition was held at Auli Foreign Training Node.
Besides Auli, where is Yudh Abhyas 2026 being conducted simultaneously?
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Correct answer: D — Mahajan Field Firing Range
The exercise is being held simultaneously at Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan).
How many personnel from each side are taking part in Yudh Abhyas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 600
The contingents comprise 600 personnel from each side.
Consider the following about Exercise Yudh Abhyas: 1. It is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army that began in 2004. 2. It is a naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Yudh Abhyas is an army exercise that began in 2004; it is not a naval exercise.