The 16th edition of an annual joint military exercise between India and the United States (US), “Yudh Abhyas 20” was initiated as a part of defence cooperation at the Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan on February 8, 2021. This 12 days long exercise will culminate on February 21, 2021.
- The Indian side is represented by the 11th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, part of the South Western Command while U.S. Army delegation will be represented by the troops of 2nd battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team along with respective brigade headquarters.
- The US contingent was welcomed by Brigadier Mukesh Bhanwala, Commander of the 170 Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army.
Aim of Exercise:
To enhance cooperation and interoperability in Counter-Terrorism operations
Key Points:
–The exercise involves approximately 250 US Army and 250 Indian Army soldiers.
–This edition of the joint exercise combines field training and cultural exchanges.
–The command post exercise (CPX) will focus on the UN peacekeeping operation staff tasks.
–The field training exercise (FTX) will involve company-strength elements and fundamental war-fighting skills, techniques and experience to enhance combined operational capacity.
–The exercise includes a number of aerial platforms viz. Advanced Light Helicopter WSI ‘RUDRA’, MI-17, Chinooks, Stryker Vehicles of the US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of the Indian Army.
–The exercise is one of the largest military training and defense cooperation efforts between India and the US.
Recent Related News:
i.The Second Edition of the Biennial Pan-India, Largest Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-21’ coordinated by Indian Navy took place from January 12-13, 2021. It was conducted along the entire 7516 Km coastline & Exclusive Economic Zone of India.
ii.Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF) participated in the 1st Edition of Bilateral Air Exercise ‘Exercise Desert Knight-21 (Ex DK-21)’ held at Air Force Station, Jodhpur for 5 days from January 20-24, 2021. The Bilateral 1st of its kind exercise involved the participation of Rafale fighter jets from both sides.
About United States (US):
President– Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Capital– Washington, D.C.
Currency– United States Dollar
