The Indian Army and US Army conducted joint counterterrorism training during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at Auli in Uttarakhand, with specialised assault teams supported by drones, robotic dogs, trained canines and snipers.
The joint exercise is to strengthen operational coordination between the two armies and train soldiers from both countries in difficult operational scenarios. The latest exercises showed how specialized personnel and technology can be used together in counterterrorism operations.
According to the Indian Army, images from the high-altitude training center in Auli showed soldiers from India and the United States conducting joint tactical work in coordination with each other at the high-altitude training site in Auli. The drills saw assault teams operating with support from multiple specialised units and showed the need for coordination of personnel, surveillance systems and tactical support units.
Drones were an important part of the exercise and provided aerial support during the simulated operations. Unmanned systems can support troops in terms of situational awareness and surveillance when visibility and access are difficult.
More robotic dogs were also involved in the exercise as robotic technology has become an important part of military training and operations. Such systems could help troops to do reconnaissance and to look for areas where sending people first could pose additional risks.
There were also trained military canines deployed during the drills along with technological systems. They are still used to carry out security and counterterrorism work in areas such as detection and search.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | US and Indian Army soldiers trained together in counterterrorism operations during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at Auli, featuring assault teams supported by Drones, Robotic Dogs, Canines and Snipers, highlighting coordinated employment of specialised… pic.twitter.com/5LoyQuy6SR
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2026
Snipers were another specialised component of the exercise. Their participation helped in demonstrating the coordination of personnel with many capabilities as one big team.
The combination of assault teams, snipers, canines, drones and robotic systems presented a coherent approach to the simulated counterterrorism scenarios. Rather than being kept as separate units, the specialized elements were integrated in coordination with one another.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas is an important bilateral military exercise between India and the USA. This exercise is an opportunity for both countries to bring operational practices from their militaries together to create interoperability through joint exercises.
The 2026 edition in Auli also focuses on operating in a difficult mountainous environment. The terrain of Uttarakhand is a challenging environment for military training, so troops must adjust their movements, coordination and tactical actions to local conditions.
Joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas also help the soldiers to get to know each other and their procedures and communication. This is especially important when personnel from different military organisations have to work together for simulated missions.
Advanced technology and conventional specialised teams are among the other highlights of the 2026 drills. Drones and robotic systems can provide new capabilities to troops, while trained personnel, canines and snipers continue to perform their specialised duties within an integrated operational framework.
The exercises at Auli then showed an integration of human expertise and emerging military technology during simulated counterterrorism operations. The Indian Army’s visuals showed the coordination of these capabilities as part of the bilateral training.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 represents the continued military cooperation between India and the United States, with troops from both countries involved in joint training to enhance coordination, interoperability and operational readiness.
