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In a powerful display of strategic alignment and operational readiness, the Indian Army and the United States Army have commenced the 21st edition of their joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2025, at Fort Wainwright in Alaska. Running from September 1 to 14, this high-altitude, cold-weather drill is one of the largest bilateral exercises between the two nations, reinforcing defence cooperation amid evolving global dynamics.
The exercise, aptly named Yudh Abhyas or Preparing for War, is designed to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and joint response capabilities in sub-arctic conditions. With 450 soldiers from each side, this year’s edition marks a significant leap in complexity, scale, and strategic relevance.
Key highlights from the exercise
- Indian troops from the Madras Regiment and US soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Bobcats), part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade, are participating
- The drills include heliborne operations, mountain warfare, live-fire artillery exercises, and combat medical training
- Subject-matter experts are leading sessions on electronic warfare, logistics, counter-drone systems, and information warfare
- The exercise supports UN peacekeeping readiness and Indo-Pacific strategic objectives
- Despite trade tensions, defence ties remain robust and forward-looking
Training in the tundra: what’s happening on ground
1. The exercise kicked off with a ceremonial opening at Fort Wainwright, where both contingents pledged to deepen tactical cooperation
2. Troops are undergoing rigorous field training, including high-altitude combat simulations, rockcraft, and casualty evacuation drills
3. Artillery and aviation assets are being integrated into joint operations, testing air-to-ground coordination and battlefield mobility
4. The command post exercise is focused on brigade-level planning, communication protocols, and multi-domain operational readiness
5. Cultural exchanges and academic sessions are also part of the schedule, fostering mutual respect and understanding
Strategic backdrop and diplomatic context
Yudh Abhyas 2025 unfolds against a backdrop of strained trade relations, with President Donald Trump’s recent tariff hikes on Indian goods and criticism over India’s energy ties with Russia. Yet, the military partnership remains unaffected, showcasing the resilience of defence diplomacy.
The Arctic advantage
Alaska’s terrain offers a unique training environment for both armies. Its proximity to key Indo-Pacific air and sea corridors makes it a strategic choice for testing rapid deployment, cold-weather endurance, and joint manoeuvres.
Live drills and tactical synergy
The exercise includes live-fire drills, surveillance operations using unmanned aerial systems, and counter-UAS techniques. These drills validate the seamless integration of both forces in real-time combat scenarios.
Looking ahead: defence ties beyond the battlefield
Yudh Abhyas is part of a broader defence framework that includes exercises like Malabar, COPE India, Vajra Prahar, and Tiger Triumph. These engagements reflect a growing strategic convergence between the world’s two largest democracies.
The camaraderie and coordination on display underscore the human dimension of this partnership—where shared values meet shared missions.
Sources: Jagran Josh, News18, Firstpost, Economic Times Government, US Embassy in India
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