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Amid evolving battlefield challenges and the changing nature of modern warfare, Indian and US forces will practise long-range and precision fires during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 in September.

The annual drills will focus on long-range weapons, precision strikes, and counter-drone systems to address modern combat challenges. For the first time, troops will train across two diverse geographical environments in a single iteration.

Indian defence sources tell CNN-News 18 that the first phase is scheduled at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border. The forces will then move to the high-altitude terrain of Auli in Uttarakhand, close to the Line of Actual Control with China.

Responding to CNN-, Major Ian Roth, Public Affairs Officer for the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division, outlined the tactical objectives of the upcoming drills.

“Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 will take place in September 2026 in India. This year’s exercise will include long-range and precision fires, as well as the employment of counter-UAS systems," Major Roth said.

The army-to-army exercise alternates between the two nations to improve combined interoperability and cultural exchange. The drills are designed to deepen the US-India Major Defence Partnership and advance military cooperation for security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 will introduce long-range and precision fires, as well as the employment of counter-unmanned aerial systems. For the first time, troops will also train across two diverse geographical environments in a single iteration.

The exercise is expected to highlight battlefield preparedness and advanced combat training, which is significant from a broader geopolitical and defence perspective given the strategic attention on the China-Pakistan region. The focus on long-range firepower will test coordination, precision, and operational readiness.