Why in News?
The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the annual India-US Army exercise will be conducted in a two-theatre format for the first time, with troops training in both desert and high-altitude mountain conditions.
Key Highlights
- The exercise will begin at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges near Bikaner, Rajasthan, before moving to Auli, Uttarakhand, around 95 km from the LAC with China.
- The Rajasthan phase will focus on long-range and precision fires, manoeuvres and fire support.
- India is expected to deploy Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and K9 Vajra, while the US Army is expected to bring HIMARS.
- AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are also slated to participate.
- The Auli phase will focus on high-altitude warfare, infantry manoeuvres, air mobility, acclimatisation and logistics.
- The Indian Army is expected to use M777 ultra-light howitzers, which can be transported by Chinook helicopters.
- Both phases will include counter-drone operations, electronic warfare, loitering munitions and ISR systems.
About Yudh Abhyas
- Started: 2004
- Participants: Indian Army and US Army
- The exercise initially focused on peacekeeping, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, but has expanded to include mountain warfare, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and HADR operations.
