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Yudh Abhyas 2025: India-US Joint Military Exercise
1. What is Yudh Abhyas?
Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the United States. Its primary objectives are to enhance interoperability, build mutual trust, and strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
2. Where is it Held in 2025?
The 21st edition is being conducted at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from September 1 to 14, 2025. The location offers challenging terrain, enabling troops to train in diverse operational scenarios and extreme conditions.
3. Which Forces are Participating?
- India: A battalion of the Madras Regiment.
- United States: Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ‘Bobcats’ of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.
4. What Training and Drills are Included?
The exercise includes a variety of tactical and operational drills designed to improve combat readiness and coordination:
- Helicopter and unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations
- Surveillance and reconnaissance missions
- Rockcraft and mountain warfare training
- Casualty evacuation and combat medical aid
- Integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare
- UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) capability building
5. Why is it Significant This Year?
The exercise takes place amid India-US trade frictions and discussions on tariffs and Russian oil imports. Despite these economic issues, military relations remain strong, demonstrating the strategic depth of the partnership.
6. How Does this Connect to Other Defence Agreements?
Yudh Abhyas complements broader defence cooperation frameworks, including:
- 2013 Joint Declaration on Defence Cooperation
- 2015 US-India Defence Framework Agreement
- LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), and BECA (2020)
7. What is the Broader Context?
The exercise follows visits of US naval assets like USS Frank Cable to Chennai and forms part of Indo-Pacific security cooperation. It ensures preparedness for multi-domain challenges and aligns with India’s procurement of US-origin defence systems, such as MH-60R Seahawks, M777 howitzers, and GE engines.
“The strength of an army lies not just in its weapons, but in the trust and coordination with its allies.”
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