
Strategic Storm: India–U.S. War Drills in Alaska Raise Eyebrows Over China’s Role
Yudh Abhyas 2025 Begins: India and U.S. Train Together in Alaska
India and US Join Forces in Alaska-War Drills Signal Strategic Shift – India and the United States have kicked off the 21st edition of their joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2025, in Alaska, marking a powerful moment in their growing defense partnership. The drills began on September 1 and will continue until September 14, with troops from both nations training side by side in extreme Arctic conditions.
The Indian Army’s Madras Regiment and the U.S. Army’s “Bobcats” of the 5th Infantry Regiment, part of the 11th Airborne Division, are leading the exercises at Fort Wainwright, Yukon Training Area, and Donnelly Training Area. The focus? High-altitude warfare, heliborne operations, mountain combat, and counter-drone (C-UAS) tactics.
This year’s drills are more intense and diverse than ever before, including live-fire artillery, electronic warfare, combat medical aid, and surveillance operations. Experts from both sides are also conducting workshops on information warfare, logistics, and communications, making this not just a battlefield rehearsal but a full-spectrum strategic exercise.
Combat in the Clouds: Why High-Altitude and C-UAS Training Matters
The terrain in Alaska is harsh, cold and mountainous perfect for simulating high-altitude combat. This is especially relevant for India, which shares a tense border with China in the Himalayas. Training in similar conditions helps Indian troops prepare for real-world scenarios in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
One major highlight of the exercise is the focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS operations. As drones become more common in modern warfare, learning how to detect, disable, and defend against them is critical. Both armies are testing advanced surveillance tools and drone-jamming technologies to stay ahead of evolving threats.
While officials haven’t named China directly, the strategic nature of the drills especially in Arctic and Indo-Pacific corridors suggests a subtle message. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has emphasized that these exercises support a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” a phrase often used in response to China’s growing influence in the region.
Beyond the Battlefield: Strengthening Global Peacekeeping and Diplomacy
Yudh Abhyas isn’t just about preparing for war, it’s also about building peace. The joint drills include simulations for United Nations peacekeeping operations, where both countries often contribute troops. Practicing coordination, medical aid, and evacuation strategies helps improve their readiness for global missions.
The timing of the exercise is also important. It comes amid trade tensions between India and the U.S., including tariff hikes and disagreements over energy imports from Russia. Despite these issues, the military partnership remains strong, showing that defense ties can rise above diplomatic friction.
The presence of the USS Frank Cable, a U.S. submarine support ship that recently visited Chennai, further highlights the depth of cooperation. From joint drills to naval logistics, India and the U.S. are working together across land, sea, and air.
What This Means for India, U.S., and the Indo-Pacific Future
This year’s Yudh Abhyas sends a clear message: India and the U.S. are serious about defense collaboration and regional stability. By training in Alaska’s rugged terrain, they’re preparing for challenges that go beyond borders whether it’s mountain warfare with China, peacekeeping in Africa, or counter-terror operations in Asia.
For India, the exercise boosts its readiness in high-altitude zones and strengthens its ties with a key global ally. For the U.S., it reinforces its Indo-Pacific strategy and builds trust with one of the world’s largest democracies. As the drills continue, eyes around the world are watching. Whether it’s a signal to China or a step toward deeper cooperation, one thing is clear: the India-U.S. defense partnership is evolving, and it’s reaching new heights, literally.
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