The Indian Army participates in many bilateral and multilateral military exercises every year to showcase its military prowess and preparedness, and Yudh Abhyas 2026 is one such exercise. This year the elite Arctic Angels are participating alongside the 14 Infantry Division of India. But who are they?
Today, we share insights about the elite unit participating in Yudh Abhyas and why this is significant.
What is Yudh Abhyas 2026?
Let us understand what the military exercise is before we tell you about the Arctic Angels. Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise that is conducted between the Indian Army and the US Army.
It began in 2004 to enhance cooperation and readiness among the two forces. Hence, Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of this military tradition and is happening at two locations: the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Both sides are contributing 600 army personnel each who are training in mountain warfare, infantry operations, drones, autonomous systems and advanced weapons. The participating units include:
- The Indian Army’s 14 Infantry Division led by the Garhwal Rifles and commanded by Major General Amaresh Gunjan
- The US Army’s 11th Airborne Division, also known as the Arctic Angels, and commanded by Colonel Benjamin Jackman
Who Are The Arctic Angels?
Now, let us delve into the Arctic Angels, who they are, what is their specialization, and why this participation is significant.
The 11th Airborne Division is the US Army’s formation headquartered in Alaska at Fort Wainwright (1st Brigade) and at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (2nd Brigade). It is officially known as the Arctic Angels. Originally, the division fought in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. However, it was reactivated on 6 June 2022.
This elite unit gets its name from their specialization in operating in the Arctic as well as extreme cold-weather operations in mountainous and high-latitude environments. This is where the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas also becomes essential for them because it lets them train in some of the harshest operating conditions near the Himalayas.
Lessons From The Arctic Angels
When a military exercise happens, it does not just involve training together, but also learning from each other’s experiences. Through their participation in Yudh Abhyas XXII, the Arctic Angels are bringing a range of experiences and lessons for their counterpart such as:
- Small-unit infantry skills by comparing patrolling, scouting, movement and other tactical procedures.
- Expertise in air-based assault
- Experience in mountainous terrain and harsh conditions
- Integration of drone technology
- Interoperability and cooperation for future operations, if any
Clearly, this participation is going to prove of great value to both the sides and add to their military expertise. But this isn’t the only thing that you should know.
Significance of Participation
We all know that the US Army has several units and divisions, then why were the Arctic Angels chosen for this role specifically and what is the significance of their participation?
As we have told you before, the Arctic Angels train for an environment of extreme cold, snow, high latitude and mountainous terrain. But when we compare it to Auli, the location of Yudh Abhyas 2026, we notice its steep terrain, altitude and vegetation. The two environments are quite different.
Despite this, the elite 11th Airborne Division shares that the Arctic expertise that it carries can be utilized beyond Alaska through the fundamentals of terrain awareness, communications and sustenance. Hence, Yudh Abhyas is an attempt to let both, the Indian Army and the US Army, test their adaptability to different environments.
Final Thoughts
Yudh Abhyas 2026 is not just a military exercise but a way of passing on experiences in combat, tactics, and other military essentials to each other. The participation of the Arctic Angels, therefore, carries a lot of significance for the Indian Army, which mandatorily operates in harsh environments like Siachen. With an increased focus on technology, both sides are also exchanging tactics related to drones, precision strikes, and information systems, making the military exercise a wholistic one.
