India–US Yudh Abhyas 2025 Begins in Alaska
Why in the News ?
The 21st edition of India–US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 began at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. Indian Army’s Madras Regiment is participating alongside the US 5th Infantry Regiment to enhance interoperability and strengthen military cooperation through high-altitude tactical training.
Highlights of Yudh Abhyas 2025
- Venue & Duration:
○ Held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from 1–14 September 2025.
- Participation:
○ Indian contingent: Battalion of the Madras Regiment.
○ US contingent: 5th Infantry Regiment (“Bobcats”), part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
- Training Focus:
○ Heliborne operations and rapid troop deployment.
○ Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS operations.
○ Mountain and high-altitude warfare tactics.
○ Integrated use of Artillery, Aviation, and Electronic Warfare systems.
Strategic Importance and Outcomes
- Working Groups:
○ Sessions on information warfare, communications, logistics, UAS tactics, and multi-domain operations.
- Joint Exercises:
○ Culminates in live-fire drills, tactical manoeuvres, and simulated UN Peacekeeping operations.
○ Enhances capability in multi-domain conflict preparedness.
- Broader Significance:
○ Strengthens Indo–US defence cooperation under the wider Indo-Pacific security framework.
○ Builds trust and coordination for future coalition or humanitarian operations.
○ Reinforces India’s role in UN peacekeeping and global stability.
About Exercise Yudh Abhyas :● Background: ○ Bilateral annual exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army. ○ Started in 2004, part of the India–US defence cooperation framework. ○ Alternates between India and the USA each year. ● Objective: ○ Strengthen military-to-military relations. ○ Enhance interoperability in diverse operational settings. ○ Prepare troops for joint operations, particularly under UN Peacekeeping mandates. ● Significance: ○ Covers counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and high-altitude warfare. ○ Demonstrates the growing strategic partnership between India and the USA. |