NEWS

• India and the US are conducting the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas, a joint military exercise, from September 1–14, 2025 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
• Despite trade and energy-related tensions, the exercise highlights the strong defence partnership between the two nations.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is Yudh Abhyas?

• An annual joint military exercise between India and the US.
• In 2025, the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment is training with the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Wolves).
• Main aim: strengthen tactical skills and boost cooperation for peacekeeping and combat readiness.

Key Activities in the Exercise

1. Tactical Drills – heliborne operations, surveillance using drones, rockcraft, mountain warfare.
2. Medical Training – casualty evacuation, combat medical aid.
3. Technology Use – artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems.
4. Expert Sessions – focus on information warfare, communications, logistics, UAS and counter-UAS.
5. Final Phase – live-fire drills and high-altitude warfare simulations.

Defence Cooperation between India and the US

• 2013 & 2015: Joint Declarations on Defence Cooperation.
• Agreements signed:
  • LEMOA (2016): Sharing logistics and supplies.
  • COMCASA (2018): Secure communications and advanced systems.
  • BECA (2020): Sharing military maps and satellite data.
• 2023: Launch of INDUS-X, a defence innovation bridge.
• Recent pacts (2024):
  • SOSA: Priority defence supply support.
  • MoU on Liaison Officers: Indian officers in US Commands.

India’s Other Recent Defence Exercises

• Varuna (France, March 2025): Maritime exercise.
• Dharma Guardian (Japan, 2025): Land warfare.
• Dustlik (Uzbekistan, April 2025): Joint training in Pune.
• PASSEX (UK, June 2025): Naval coordination.
• Nomadic Elephant (Mongolia, May 2025): Army training.
• Mitra Shakti (Sri Lanka, 2024): Counter-terrorism training.