PrepMaticCurrent affairs · September 2026
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 begins at Auli and Mahajan
The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas began on 15 September 2026. The opening ceremony took place at the Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand. The exercise is held at the same time at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with 600 personnel from each army.
Key facts
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Edition | 22nd |
| Countries | India and the United States |
| Venues | Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan) |
| Troops | 600 from each side |
| Indian lead | Maj Gen Amaresh Gunjan, GOC 14 Infantry Division |
| US lead | Col Benjamin Jackman, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division |
What the exercise trains for
The aim is to build the joint capability of both armies to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-dominated operations. It is meant to improve interoperability, share best operational practices and strengthen joint planning and execution.
Technology is a key focus. Training includes drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, and contemporary weapon systems will be demonstrated at Mahajan. Subject matter experts from both armies will also discuss emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare.
Why it matters for exams
Name, countries, edition number and location of joint exercises are frequent defence current affairs questions in TNPSC and banking general awareness papers. Keep a short table of exercises and review it with the TNPSC current affairs guide. Compare it with the other army exercises of this period, Nomadic Elephant with Mongolia and Mountain Guardian with the UAE.
Practice questions
Question 1
Yudh Abhyas 2026 is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
- A. Russia
- B. France
- C. United States
- D. Japan
Question 2
Which edition of Yudh Abhyas began on 15 September 2026?
- A. 18th
- B. 20th
- C. 22nd
- D. 24th
Answers
- C. Yudh Abhyas is the India-US army exercise.
- C. The 2026 edition is the 22nd.
Source
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- Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026The 18th India-Mongolia exercise Nomadic Elephant ran from 21 September to 3 October 2026 at Pithoragarh with 45 troops each, on counter-insurgency drills.
- Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026India and the UAE began Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from 5 to 18 October 2026 with 92 personnel, focused on mountain warfare.
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