Indo-US joint training Ex Yudh Abhyas commenced on Feb 8 and saw Chinooks in action
ET Online|
1/5
14-day schedule
According to an IANS report, "the India-US joint training Exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on February 8 with an opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst the playing of the national anthems," said Lieutenant Colonel Amitabh Sharma.
Agencies
2/5
Indo-US interoperability
On February 6, the US Army contingent comprising a brigade headquarters and a battalion group of the 2nd Battalion, the 3rd Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, comprising 270 personnel, had landed at Suratgarh. The 14-day schedule is focused upon joint training in the Counter-Insurgency environment under the mandate of the United Nations.
Agencies
3/5
Testing out military platforms
A number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter WSI 'RUDRA', MI - 17, Chinooks, Stryker Vehicles of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army, will be utilised in the exercise.
Agencies
4/5
Chinooks in action
Rajasthan also saw Chinook helicopters in action on February 9. Indian Air Force had inducted four Chinook heavy-lift choppers in 2019. India paid close to USD 1.5 billion for 15 of these helicopters which would be also used for deploying troops and machinery at high altitude locations.
Agencies
5/5
Involves 500 soldiers
According to an official release by the US Embassy in India, the US Army Pacific-sponsored exercise involves approximately 250 US Army and 250 Indian Army soldiers. This annual training exercise enhances combined interoperability capabilities through training and cultural exchange, which foster enduring partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region through common defence objectives.
