India and US Armies Fire M777 Howitzer in Rajasthan as Part of Yudh Abhyas 2026

From September 15, the 22nd edition of the India‑US joint drill, Yudh Abhyas 2026, has been humming along on two fronts – the snow‑capped Auli training node in Uttarakhand and the dusty Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district. About 600 soldiers from each side are mingling, learning and, yes, firing together.

On a bright Wednesday morning, the spotlight fell on the M777 Ultra‑Light Howitzer, a sleek 155 mm gun that the Indian artillery crew proudly manned. The crew’s shots rang out with textbook precision, prompting nods of approval from the visiting U.S. team. After the salute‑filled volley, American artillery officers shuffled over, helmets off, to chat with the Indian battery about gun deployment, fire‑control settings and the ever‑crucial “shoot‑and‑scoot” drill.

The live‑fire session wasn’t a random exhibition; it followed a lecture‑cum‑demo that dissected the howitzer’s technical quirks and tactical uses. Topics ranged from the duties of key appointments at the gun line to movement tactics for counter‑bombardment and coordination with local defence units. In other words, it was a classroom with smoke and thunder.

Higher‑up officials set the tone at the opening ceremony. Major General Amaresh Gunjan, commanding the 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman of the U.S. 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, reminded everyone that the drill is about “readiness, interoperability and cooperation.” Their words echo the Ministry of Defence’s goal: to forge integrated battle groups capable of operating in mountainous and semi‑mountainous terrain, where infantry usually leads the way.

Technology wasn’t left behind either. Drones buzzed overhead, feeding live video to both sides, while autonomous surveillance kits were field‑tested. These gadgets are becoming the eyes and ears of modern artillery, and Yudh Abhyas is the perfect sandbox to see how they fit into joint operations.

All in all, the M777 demonstration was more than just a splash of firepower; it was a tangible step toward tighter coordination, shared lessons and a clearer picture of how two of the world’s largest armies can operate side by side when the need arises.