New Delhi: The 22nd edition of the India-US bilateral military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 has expanded its focus on integrated aviation and ground operations with the participation of the Indian Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
Indian and US troops are conducting combined combat drills designed to strengthen coordination between ground units and attack aviation, including joint mission planning, battlefield communications and target engagement.
The exercise is being conducted simultaneously in two distinct environments — the high-altitude Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the arid Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from each country are taking part in the exercise.
The Indian Army’s AH-64E Apaches, operated by the 451 Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, add an advanced attack-helicopter component to the exercise. Their participation enables troops to train in coordinating aviation assets with ground forces during realistic combat scenarios.
According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the training encompasses a broad range of battlefield activities, including small-arms engagements, artillery operations, long-range weapon employment and combined-arms tactics.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has also highlighted the ongoing exercise, noting that personnel from both countries are exchanging operational knowledge involving modern weapons, heavy equipment and unmanned systems.
The exercise is intended to improve interoperability by allowing the two militaries to practise common procedures and integrated operations across varied terrain and combat situations. The participation of attack aviation further broadens the scope of joint training and provides both forces an opportunity to refine coordination in multi-domain operations.
