The annual joint military exercise between India and the United States, Yudh Abhyas, has entered its 20th edition, with the ongoing drills focusing on enhancing interoperability and strengthening bilateral defense ties.
Mahajan Firing Ranges Witness High-intensity Drills
The troops of the Indian Army and the US Army engaged in multiple military drills at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan as part of the ongoing ‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024.’ This joint military exercise, which aims to boost interoperability and create greater synergy between the two forces, saw participation from both sides in diverse operations involving heavy artillery, advanced equipment, and counterterrorism drills.
During the exercise, troops from both nations demonstrated their capabilities in firing heavy machine guns, howitzers, and mortars. Notably, one of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the drills was the display of targeting small drones with the help of trained birds, showcasing cutting-edge techniques in modern warfare. Armored vehicles were also deployed to enhance the troops’ combat readiness and mobility.
In addition to these drills, aerial operations played a crucial role in the validation phase. The exercise included the participation of helicopters like the Apache attack helicopters from the US and the indigenous ALH Dhruv variants from India, underscoring the coordination between air and ground forces in counterterrorism operations. The use of these advanced aircraft highlights the technological prowess and joint maneuvering of both nations.
Focus on Counterterrorism and Combat Support Operations
A key element of ‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas’ is its focus on preparing both armies for counterterrorism operations. These operations, designed under a subconventional scenario, help both armies rehearse various tactical scenarios and refine their skills in facing unconventional threats.
Major Akansha Rajput, part of the Core of Engineers team, emphasized the importance of the exercise in honing counter-improvised explosive device (IED) techniques and obstacle breaching capabilities in support of the infantry. “Our primary focus was on counter-ID techniques and obstacle breaching in support of infantry in counterterrorism operations. Through the exercise, we have participated in various drills that have been vital in improving the strength of the Core of Engineers in providing combat support to the infantry unit,” Major Rajput told reporters during a briefing.
This year’s edition of Yudh Abhyas has provided a valuable platform for the exchange of best practices between the two armies. According to Major Rajput, the drills have allowed Indian and US forces to rehearse, refine, and polish their operational techniques at a technical level, contributing significantly to the combat readiness of both contingents.
Captain Tushar Sanam, a Special Forces Operative from the Indian Army, highlighted the importance of interoperability in such joint exercises. “Any operation to succeed requires three fundamental needs: equipment, troops, and intelligence. Throughout the exercise, we have had exercises and training which have worked upon these skills,” he said. This underscores the core objective of the exercise, which is to strengthen joint operational readiness and improve the forces’ ability to conduct operations in a synchronized manner.
US-India Friendship Highlighted During the Exercise
‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024’ is not just about military drills; it is also a testament to the growing friendship and camaraderie between the two nations. Captain Saima Durrani, a Civil Affairs Officer in the US Army, stressed the significance of the relationship between India and the United States, stating, “Civil affairs mean that we work in a diplomatic capacity. Our only goal here is US-India friendship. We’re trying to build a good relationship with India, and we are really happy to be here.”
Durrani further elaborated on the deep bond shared by the troops of both nations, describing the sense of family and culture that unites them. “Our family, our culture, they are all the same. The love and camaraderie between the army, our battle buddies, it’s the same. You won’t find that anywhere else,” she remarked.
Her sentiments reflect the broader diplomatic goals that underpin this joint military exercise, as both nations seek to strengthen not only their military collaboration but also their people-to-people ties.
The theme of this year’s exercise, ‘Two Nations, One Mission: United in Strength, Unstoppable in Action,’ resonates deeply with the objectives set forth by both India and the US. Through this exercise, the two forces aim to enhance their joint military capabilities, particularly in counterterrorism operations conducted under the guidelines of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which deals with threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.
20 Years of Yudh Abhyas: A Legacy of Cooperation
First held in 2004, Yudh Abhyas has grown into a cornerstone of India-US defense cooperation. Alternating annually between India and the United States, the exercise has provided an invaluable opportunity for the two armies to work together, share knowledge, and develop mutual trust. The current edition, which began on September 9 and will conclude on September 22, marks two decades of this vital partnership.
As the exercise progresses, both sides will continue to engage in a range of drills designed to enhance their operational readiness in a subconventional scenario. The focus remains on fostering better coordination between ground forces, air support, and combat engineering, ensuring that both armies are prepared to face future challenges in an increasingly complex security environment.
The strategic importance of Yudh Abhyas cannot be overstated. At a time when global security concerns are on the rise, such joint exercises not only enhance the military capabilities of both nations but also send a powerful message of unity and cooperation.
With the successful completion of each edition, the bond between the Indian and US forces grows stronger, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
As the world continues to grapple with evolving security challenges, exercises like Yudh Abhyas serve as a reminder of the critical role played by military diplomacy in maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond.
