LSN News › India

World · India Bureau

India and US launch joint military drill focusing on drone warfare

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas will see approximately 1,200 personnel from both armies engage in coordinated training exercises across northern India, with emphasis on modern combat technologies and battle group operations.

LSN India · 15 September 2026

India and US launch joint military drill focusing on drone warfare

India and the United States have commenced their latest joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, marking the 22nd iteration of the bilateral training programme designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces. The exercise will draw around 1,200 personnel from the Indian Army and US Army, conducting operations across training grounds in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan over the coming weeks.

The 2024 edition places particular emphasis on drone warfare capabilities and battle group tactics, reflecting evolving security challenges in the region. Training scenarios are expected to incorporate unmanned aerial systems alongside conventional ground operations, allowing troops from both nations to sharpen coordination in contemporary combat environments.

Yudh Abhyas has become a cornerstone of India-US defence cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange and operational integration between the two militaries. Previous editions have covered terrain from the Himalayas to desert regions, providing varied conditions for realistic training scenarios.

The exercise underscores the deepening military partnership between New Delhi and Washington, particularly as both nations navigate evolving geopolitical dynamics in South and Southeast Asia. Such joint drills contribute to building mutual confidence and standardizing procedures across allied forces.

Official details regarding specific timelines and participating units are expected to be released by the defence ministries of both countries as the exercise progresses.