Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2023: Indian, US Armies Snipers Carry Out Joint Training in Alaska

Indian Army

New Delhi: Before closing Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’, the Indian and US Armies snipers carried out the joint training at Alaska. The 19th edition of Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ will conclude on October 8, 2023 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. The exercise started on September 25. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the United States Army. The previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022.

Attending the closing ceremony, Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu expressed his satisfaction with the soldiers’ actions. The exercise focused on exchanging best practices, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening the bond between the two armies. The training included high-angle rescue drills, casualty evacuation drills, and live fire exercises in extreme climatic conditions.

Sharing his delight to witness the Indian Army and the US Army soldiers’ actions at Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in Alaska, Indian ambassador Sandhu also thanked the US Army and the 11th Airborne Division for hosting troops. The 11th Airborne Division is a US Army airborne formation based in Alaska.

According to Indian Army officials, as part of the ongoing Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’, the Indian and US Armies carried out a joint tactical exercise in Alaska last week. The two armies on October 6 carried out field training drills in Alaska.

High-angle rescue & casualty evacuation drills in the sub-zero Arctic conditions were practiced by the two armies during the exercise. The soldiers also conducted a live fire training exercise. The exercise entails exchanging the best practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening the bond between the two Armies.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 350 personnel is participating in this edition of the exercise. The lead battalion from the Indian side is affiliated with the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment.

From the US side, 1-24 Infantry Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team is participating in the exercise. Both sides practiced a series of tactical drills to enhance interoperability in conducting UN peacekeeping operations. Personnel from both sides also held detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices.

The theme of the Exercise is ‘Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic Conditions’ under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.

“Exercise Yudh Abhyas-23” will facilitate both Armies to mutually learn from each other and further strengthen the bonds between the two armies, said the release.