The opening ceremony of 22nd edition of India-US joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2026’ was held on Tuesday at Auli foreign training node in Uttarakhand.Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army, addressed the participating contingents of 600 personnel from both countries. The exercise is simultaneously being conducted at Auli and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.The exercise is aimed at enhancing the joint military capability of both armies for employment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. It will strengthen interoperability, facilitate exchanges of best operational practices and strengthen joint planning and execution, a defence ministry’s release said on Tuesday.

Technology infusion will form a key focus area. The training will include the employment of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance as well as demonstration of contemporary weapon systems will be undertaken at Mahajan field firing ranges, it said.Subject matter experts from both Armies will also exchange views on emerging technologies and developments in multi-domain warfare. The exercise provides an opportunity for both Armies to share tactics, techniques and procedures; and enhance their ability to undertake coordinated military operations across varied terrain and operational environment.