A contingent of the Indian Army has arrived at Fort Wainwright in Alaska for the 21st edition of the bilateral military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas 2025’. The two-week-long training programme, running from September 1 to 14, brings together Indian soldiers and American troops for intensive drills aimed at improving joint operational readiness across multiple domains.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the development, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal sharing images of Indian soldiers disembarking near a C-17 Globemaster III, highlighting the strategic lift capability that underpins modern joint operations. The exercise marks another chapter in the long-running Indo-US defence engagement that has become a cornerstone of military cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, the Indian Army contingent comprises soldiers from a battalion of the Madras Regiment. On the American side, participation comes from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Bobcats”, which is part of the 11th Airborne Division, also called the Arctic Wolves Brigade. Their involvement underscores the US Army’s focus on high-altitude and cold-weather operational capabilities, a fitting match for the Alaskan training environment.
Over the course of the exercise, both armies will carry out a series of tactical and operational manoeuvres designed to simulate realistic combat conditions. The training includes heliborne operations, rockcraft, mountain warfare, casualty evacuation drills, and combat medical training. Integration of Artillery, Aviation, and Electronic Warfare systems is also a key focus, ensuring that both sides can coordinate effectively in complex battlefield scenarios.
Subject-matter experts from India and the United States will lead discussions and joint working groups on specialised areas such as information warfare, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS tactics, communications, and logistical coordination. These sessions are expected to enhance interoperability, enabling both armies to respond cohesively during multinational missions, including United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The concluding phase of Yudh Abhyas 2025 will feature jointly planned tactical manoeuvres and live-fire exercises, including high-altitude combat simulations. These elements are intended to replicate the challenges faced in real-world conflict situations, while testing the integration of ground forces with supporting air and artillery assets.
For India, participation in such exercises demonstrates not only its commitment to strengthening military partnerships but also its preparedness for operating in diverse and demanding terrains. For the United States, the exercise reinforces its growing emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region and collaborative readiness with like-minded partners.
Yudh Abhyas has been conducted annually since 2004, alternating between India and the United States. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most significant bilateral defence engagements, aimed at fostering mutual trust and enhancing tactical proficiency. The drills have progressively expanded in scope, moving from basic infantry training to complex multi-domain operations reflecting modern battlefield realities.
This year’s exercise also takes place against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical currents. While defence cooperation between India and the United States has deepened, issues such as trade frictions and divergent approaches to energy security, particularly India’s continued engagement with Russia, have drawn attention. Despite these complexities, both countries remain committed to strengthening their defence ties through platforms like Yudh Abhyas.
By focusing on practical joint training in Alaska’s demanding terrain, Yudh Abhyas 2025 underlines the shared priorities of the Indian and US militaries: interoperability, readiness, and adaptability in an increasingly complex global security environment.
