What to Expect from Yudh Abhyas 2025: Indian Forces Begin Training with US in Alaska?

Alaska, September 4 (NationPress) The 21st iteration of the India–US Joint Military Exercise, 'Yudh Abhyas 2025', officially commenced with an impressive opening ceremony at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, highlighting the strengthening defence alliance between the two nations.

For the upcoming two weeks, 450 soldiers from both sides will participate in field and command post exercises, while also collaborating with subject-matter experts (SMEs) to enhance operational synergy.

The Indian Embassy in Washington shared on X on Thursday (India time), "The exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 kicks off with a grand ceremony at Fort Wainwright. Over the next two weeks, 450 soldiers from both nations will engage in field and command post exercises, along with SMEs to strengthen military cooperation between the world’s largest and oldest democracies."

On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the arrival of the Indian Army contingent at Fort Wainwright for the exercise, scheduled from September 1 to 14.

"An Indian Army group has reached Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas 2025 (01–14 Sept)," MEA stated on X.

In conjunction with troops from the US 11th Airborne Division, they will engage in heliborne operations, mountain warfare, UAS/counter-UAS, and joint tactical drills, enhancing UN PKO and multi-domain readiness, as per the MEA.

A striking image shared by the MEA depicted Indian soldiers gathered in front of a sizable C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, symbolizing the strategic lift that underscores Indo-US defence cooperation.

According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, the Indian contingent comprises soldiers from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, while the US side includes troops from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the 'Bobcats' of the Arctic Wolves Brigade under the US Army's 11th Airborne Division.

Throughout the fortnight, both forces will undergo intensive training modules, including heliborne operations, rockcraft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical support, and the integration of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems.

SMEs from both militaries will lead joint working groups on critical areas such as information warfare, UAS, counter-UAS tactics, communications, and logistics.

'Yudh Abhyas', recognized as a pivotal component of Indo-US defence collaboration, has transformed into a platform for enhancing interoperability, reflecting the deepening strategic alignment between the two democracies.