India-US Joint Military Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2025’ Begins in Alaska

The 21st edition of the joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2025’ between India and the USA has begun at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, USA. It started on 1 September 2025 and will continue until 14 September 2025. 

• To participate in the 21st edition of the India-USA joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025, a contingent of the Indian Army reached Fort Wainwright in Alaska, USA. The 21st edition of the India-USA joint military exercise will be held from 1 September to 14 September 2025.
• According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent includes personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, who will train with American soldiers of the 5th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the US 11th Airborne Division.
• This exercise has been conducted annually between India and the USA on a rotational basis since 2004. The aim of this joint exercise is to enhance the combined military capability of both sides to conduct counter-terrorism operations in sub-conventional scenarios under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Yudh Abhyas Military Exercise Features

• The Ministry said that during the two weeks, soldiers will practice a series of tactical exercises including helicopter operations, use of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, mountain warfare, and integrated use of artillery, aviation, and electronic warfare.
• Subject-matter experts from both armies will conduct working groups on critical areas such as UAS and counter-UAS operations, information warfare, communications, and logistics.
• The Ministry further stated that the exercise will conclude with jointly planned and executed tactical maneuvers, including live-fire exercises and high-altitude combat scenarios, aimed at improving United Nations peacekeeping capabilities and strengthening preparedness for multi-domain challenges.

India – USA bilateral military exercises

• Yudh Abhyas (Army): The 20th edition of the bilateral army exercise was held in western India in September 2024.
• Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces): Special Forces soldiers have conducted 15 joint exercises since 2010.
• Cope India (Air Force): First held in 2004 in northern India as a fighter jet training exercise.
• Tiger Triumph (Tri-service): In 2019, US and Indian forces conducted their first large-scale tri-service exercise in the Bay of Bengal to develop interoperability for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• Red Flag (Air Force): Conducted several times annually in the USA by the US Air Force with units from allied and partner countries.
• Tarkash – Includes joint ground force counter-terrorism exercises.
• Multilateral military exercise Malabar (Navy): The USA and India inaugurated Malabar in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise. Japan joined in 2014, and Australia’s participation began in 2020.