Yudh Abhyas 2025 boosts India’s high-altitude warfare skills in Alaska

The India–US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 concluded in Alaska on Monday after two weeks of intensive training, significantly enhancing India’s ability to operate in extreme, high-altitude environments. The annual exercise, which began on September 1, has evolved into one of the most advanced bilateral drills India conducts with any nation, the Indian Embassy in Washington said.

Launched in 2002 as a small platoon-level drill, Yudh Abhyas has expanded into a complex exercise featuring live-fire manoeuvres, integrated battle group operations, and cutting-edge technologies like counter-drone systems and electronic warfare. This year’s edition emphasized interoperability between the Indian Army and U.S. Army under a joint command structure.

A highlight of the drill was Distinguished Visitor Day on September 11, when senior officers observed combined infantry, artillery, and aviation manoeuvres. Both sides praised the ease with which their troops coordinated and executed operations together.

Medical readiness received special focus, with training in frostbite prevention, casualty evacuation, and force health protection—skills crucial for operating in Alaska’s sub-arctic terrain, which closely mirrors conditions in India’s Himalayan border regions.

Artillery units carried out live-fire drills at the Yukon Training Area, including mortar exercises testing precision, communication, and fire control systems. Field training further sharpened small-unit tactics, patrol coordination, and terrain-specific manoeuvres, giving Indian soldiers valuable experience in adapting to extreme cold-weather conditions.

The Embassy noted that Yudh Abhyas has become a cornerstone of India–US defence cooperation, strengthening operational familiarity and trust between the two armies while preparing Indian troops for future high-altitude challenges.