What to Expect from Yudh Abhyas 2025? Indian Troops Partner with US Forces in Alaska Until September 14

New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The India–US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 is set to take place in Alaska from September 1 to 14, focusing on a variety of tactical drills, including heliborne operations and the deployment of surveillance resources, as stated by an official on Monday.

The Indian contingent, made up of personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, has arrived at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to collaborate with soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US.

This exercise aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.

Over the next two weeks, troops will engage in various tactical drills, including unmanned aerial systems, rock craft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation, combat medical aid, and the integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare systems, as per the official statement.

Moreover, subject-matter experts from both armies will lead working groups on critical areas such as UAS and Counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics.

The exercise will conclude with jointly planned and executed tactical maneuvers, which will include live-fire exercises and high-altitude warfare scenarios, emphasizing the enhancement of capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping operations and improving readiness for multi-domain challenges, according to the statement.

Previously, last year's Yudh Abhyas 2024 exercise was described as the largest military drill ever conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

A total of 1,200 soldiers from both India and the US took part in the exercise.

Regarding the 2024 exercise, the Defence Ministry remarked: “This edition signifies a notable increase in the scope and complexity of the joint exercise in terms of troop strength and equipment.”

The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 600 personnel, was represented by a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services.

The US contingent, comprising a similar number of troops, was represented by the 1-24 Battalion of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.

The objective of the Joint Exercise was to bolster the joint military capabilities of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional setting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, with a focus on operations in a semi-desert environment.