As Indian and American soldiers train together in the Himalayas during the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the exercise highlights a battlefield where both soldiers and military technology are pushed to their limits. Speaking to WION's Defence Pulse, Major General Yash Mor (Retd.), an Indian Army veteran with extensive high-altitude experience, explained why operating in the Himalayas presents challenges few militaries routinely encounter. Gen. Mor has served two tenures in Ladakh, including Eastern Ladakh, and has operated across high-altitude areas during his Army career. He pointed to decades of Indian experience in environments ranging from Siachen to the battlefields of Kargil. “I don't think any other army in the world has the high-altitude warfare experience that we have.” This year's exercise is also demonstrating how technology is changing mountain warfare. Drones, autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities are being incorporated alongside conventional infantry operations. American troops from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the Arctic Angels, are bringing their own experience of operating in extreme cold.&nbsp;WATCH:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdd0aQmqLew&amp;list=PLKwyKu6LhauQ&amp;index=4"></oembed></figure> Gen Mor said modern conflicts have accelerated the military emphasis on drones, robotics and network-centric warfare. But high altitude creates an additional problem. Technology that performs reliably elsewhere can suffer significant degradation in extreme cold and thin air. He explains how engines, batteries, electronics, communications equipment and other military systems can see their performance fall dramatically during severe winters. “Equipment really takes a beating in high-altitude terrain. Maintenance of equipment and safeguarding of equipment is a challenge which not many people understand unless they handle the equipment.” The same environment places enormous demands on soldiers. Acclimatisation, nutrition, health, morale and the ability to sustain operations at temperatures that can fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius become as important as weapons and sensors. Yudh Abhyas 2026 therefore represents more than interoperability between two armies. It brings emerging battlefield technologies into one of the world's most unforgiving combat environments, combining the lessons of modern drone warfare with India's decades of experience fighting and operating at extreme altitude.

Gen Mor said modern conflicts have accelerated the military emphasis on drones, robotics and network-centric warfare. But high altitude creates an additional problem. Technology that performs reliably elsewhere can suffer significant degradation in extreme cold and thin air.

As Indian and American soldiers train together in the Himalayas during the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the exercise highlights a battlefield where both soldiers and military technology are pushed to their limits. Speaking to WION's Defence Pulse, Major General Yash Mor (Retd.), an Indian Army veteran with extensive high-altitude experience, explained why operating in the Himalayas presents challenges few militaries routinely encounter. Gen. Mor has served two tenures in Ladakh, including Eastern Ladakh, and has operated across high-altitude areas during his Army career. He pointed to decades of Indian experience in environments ranging from Siachen to the battlefields of Kargil. “I don't think any other army in the world has the high-altitude warfare experience that we have.” This year's exercise is also demonstrating how technology is changing mountain warfare. Drones, autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities are being incorporated alongside conventional infantry operations. American troops from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the Arctic Angels, are bringing their own experience of operating in extreme cold. WATCH: Gen Mor said modern conflicts have accelerated the military emphasis on drones, robotics and network-centric warfare. But high altitude creates an additional problem. Technology that performs reliably elsewhere can suffer significant degradation in extreme cold and thin air. He explains how engines, batteries, electronics, communications equipment and other military systems can see their performance fall dramatically during severe winters. “Equipment really takes a beating in high-altitude terrain. Maintenance of equipment and safeguarding of equipment is a challenge which not many people understand unless they handle the equipment.” The same environment places enormous demands on soldiers. Acclimatisation, nutrition, health, morale and the ability to sustain operations at temperatures that can fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius become as important as weapons and sensors. Yudh Abhyas 2026 therefore represents more than interoperability between two armies. It brings emerging battlefield technologies into one of the world's most unforgiving combat environments, combining the lessons of modern drone warfare with India's decades of experience fighting and operating at extreme altitude.

Gen Mor said modern conflicts have accelerated the military emphasis on drones, robotics and network-centric warfare. But high altitude creates an additional problem. Technology that performs reliably elsewhere can suffer significant degradation in extreme cold and thin air.

Nobody understands high-altitude warfare better than Indian Army, says Maj Gen Yash Mor

Indian and US troops have begun their largest annual land exercise in more than two decades, splitting 1,200 soldiers between the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the firing ranges of Rajasthan to practise mountain warfare, drones and long-range fires. The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened on Tuesday at Auli Foreign Training Node, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the US 11th Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team addressed contingents of about 600 personnel from each side. Training is running in parallel at Mahajan Field Firing Range. The US force includes soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels”. Officials said the two-week drill will move from academic exchanges on space, cyber and multi-domain operations to a brigade-level command post exercise, field lanes, counter-drone training at Auli, and live-fire serials at Mahajan involving HIMARS, Stinger missiles and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, or M-LIDS.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-dismisses-pakistan-bounty-on-masood-azhar-as-phony-1789473976877">India dismisses Pakistan bounty on Masood Azhar as 'phony'</a>&nbsp;“Yudh Abhyas 2026 provides our soldiers an opportunity to enhance bilateral readiness, cooperation and interoperability,” Jackman said. “By training alongside the Indian Army, we are strengthening our mutual trust and building combat credibility.” The Indian side framed the exercise as a full-spectrum test. “Exercise Yudh Abhyas gives us a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures across the full spectrum of multidomain operations, from precision fires at Mahajan to mountain warfare here in Auli,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between our armies and prepares us to prevail together in any environment.” India’s defence ministry said the aim is to improve the two armies’ ability to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-led operations. Technology is a central theme as drones and autonomous systems will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, contemporary weapons will be demonstrated at Mahajan, and subject-matter experts will compare notes on emerging multi-domain warfare. Jackman said the test would be whether headquarters and small units can “seamlessly integrate our capabilities”. “When we conclude this training, our Soldiers will stand side by side as a more lethal, coordinated and ready force.” Held annually since 2004 and sponsored on the US side by US Army Pacific, Yudh Abhyas is designed to deepen interoperability under the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This year’s edition is scheduled to close on 28 September.

India and the US have begun the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, deploying around 1,200 troops across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan to train in mountain warfare, drone operations, precision fires and multi-domain combat.

Indian and US troops have begun their largest annual land exercise in more than two decades, splitting 1,200 soldiers between the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and the firing ranges of Rajasthan to practise mountain warfare, drones and long-range fires. The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas opened on Tuesday at Auli Foreign Training Node, where Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the US 11th Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team addressed contingents of about 600 personnel from each side. Training is running in parallel at Mahajan Field Firing Range. The US force includes soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, known as the “Arctic Angels”. Officials said the two-week drill will move from academic exchanges on space, cyber and multi-domain operations to a brigade-level command post exercise, field lanes, counter-drone training at Auli, and live-fire serials at Mahajan involving HIMARS, Stinger missiles and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, or M-LIDS. Also Read: India dismisses Pakistan bounty on Masood Azhar as 'phony' “Yudh Abhyas 2026 provides our soldiers an opportunity to enhance bilateral readiness, cooperation and interoperability,” Jackman said. “By training alongside the Indian Army, we are strengthening our mutual trust and building combat credibility.” The Indian side framed the exercise as a full-spectrum test. “Exercise Yudh Abhyas gives us a platform to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures across the full spectrum of multidomain operations, from precision fires at Mahajan to mountain warfare here in Auli,” he said. “It strengthens the bond between our armies and prepares us to prevail together in any environment.” India’s defence ministry said the aim is to improve the two armies’ ability to employ Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry-led operations. Technology is a central theme as drones and autonomous systems will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, contemporary weapons will be demonstrated at Mahajan, and subject-matter experts will compare notes on emerging multi-domain warfare. Jackman said the test would be whether headquarters and small units can “seamlessly integrate our capabilities”. “When we conclude this training, our Soldiers will stand side by side as a more lethal, coordinated and ready force.” Held annually since 2004 and sponsored on the US side by US Army Pacific, Yudh Abhyas is designed to deepen interoperability under the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This year’s edition is scheduled to close on 28 September.

India and the US have begun the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, deploying around 1,200 troops across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan to train in mountain warfare, drone operations, precision fires and multi-domain combat.

1,200 Indian and US troops begin high-altitude and desert drills

According to reports, the Biden administration is preparing a military package for India to ensure it reduces its dependence on Russian weapons.

Bloomberg media reported the package included foreign military financing of $500 million. It is however unclear what kind of weapons are on offer for the Indian military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-plans-next-generation-hypersonic-missiles-what-is-it-480098">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia plans next generation hypersonic missiles: What is it?</a>

India has been dependent on Russian military weapons for decades with the S-400 missile defence system being the latest on its acquisition list.&nbsp;

In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems. Russia recently said it had begun the delivery of the surface-to-air missile systems.

Watch:&nbsp;Will the Russian invasion end this year? Ukraine gives a tentative timeline

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Two US Senators India Caucus co-chairs Mark Warner and John Cornyn had urged President Joe Biden to waive possible sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system.

The US had earlier imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The law provides punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia.

The US had warned India could invite sanctions over the CAATSA act, however, the Biden administration hasn't gone forward with the sanctions against India so far.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India imported 49 per cent of arms from Russia between 2016 and 2020 and in the period between 2011-15, Russia accounted for 69 per cent of India's total arms imports.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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According to reports, the Biden administration is preparing a military package for India to ensure it reduces its dependence on Russian weapons. Bloomberg media reported the package included foreign military financing of $500 million.

According to reports, the Biden administration is preparing a military package for India to ensure it reduces its dependence on Russian weapons. Bloomberg media reported the package included foreign military financing of $500 million. It is however unclear what kind of weapons are on offer for the Indian military. Also Read in Pics: Russia plans next generation hypersonic missiles: What is it? India has been dependent on Russian military weapons for decades with the S-400 missile defence system being the latest on its acquisition list. In October 2018, India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems. Russia recently said it had begun the delivery of the surface-to-air missile systems. Watch: Will the Russian invasion end this year? Ukraine gives a tentative timeline Two US Senators India Caucus co-chairs Mark Warner and John Cornyn had urged President Joe Biden to waive possible sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system. The US had earlier imposed sanctions on Russia under the stringent Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The law provides punitive action against countries purchasing defence hardware from Russia. The US had warned India could invite sanctions over the CAATSA act, however, the Biden administration hasn't gone forward with the sanctions against India so far. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India imported 49 per cent of arms from Russia between 2016 and 2020 and in the period between 2011-15, Russia accounted for 69 per cent of India's total arms imports. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US seeking defence partnership with India to reduce Russia's influence: Report

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. 
 
This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. 
 
The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-enhance-capabilities-in-defence-manufacturing-pm-modi-365375" hreflang="en">India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi</a> 
 
The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. 
 
The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-growth-engine-to-be-powered-by-assam-ne-pm-365383" hreflang="en">India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM</a>

The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. 
 
The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. 
 
A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. 
 
"The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan. Also read| India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army. Also read| India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. "The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes