U.S. and Indian armies wrap up live-fire drills at Yudh Abhyas 2026

RAJASTHAN, India — U.S. and Indian Army forces concluded a bilateral live-fire event that integrated artillery, air defense, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and aviation during exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sept. 24.

The joint firepower demonstration capped days of bilateral preparation across the training area as both armies brought together multiple weapons and capabilities to plan, coordinate, and execute complex operations in a combined setting.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lt. Gen. Vikrant Suresh Deshpande, general officer commanding, 10 Corps, observed the demonstration alongside senior military leaders and other distinguished visitors.

The event featured the Indian Army’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, M777 ultra-light howitzer, Dhanush artillery system, L70 air defense guns, Swathi weapon-locating radar, and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. U.S. Army systems included the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS).

In the lead-up to the demonstration, U.S. and Indian Soldiers conducted system familiarization, rehearsals, live-fire training, and professional exchanges to better understand how each force employs its equipment and executes missions. U.S. Soldiers trained with Indian artillery personnel on the M777 and observed Indian L70 Bofors live-fire operations. Personnel from both armies also shared knowledge on aviation, targeting equipment, and counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities before integrating those efforts into the larger event.

The live-fire brought artillery, aviation, air defense, counter-unmanned aircraft, and surveillance assets into a shared training environment, requiring both sides to apply the procedures and tactics refined throughout the exercise. M-LIDS provided counter-unmanned aircraft support, while artillery and rocket systems from both armies delivered complementary fires. Aviation and air defense assets broadened the scope, enabling participants to train across multiple operational functions within a single bilateral exercise.

The event gave senior leaders a view of the training progression at Mahajan Field Firing Range, from initial system exchanges and rehearsals to the integration of multiple capabilities during the joint firepower demonstration. It also underscored the value of sustained bilateral training, as repeated interaction throughout Yudh Abhyas built familiarity with equipment, procedures, and approaches ahead of the culminating live-fire.

Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve readiness and interoperability through shared experience and realistic training. It supports the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership and prepares both armies to operate together during crises, contingencies, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.